Virgin Australia partner and Star Alliance member Air New Zealand will launch premium economy on flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from later this year.

Already available between Perth and Auckland, that's extended to every trans-Tasman service operated by Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s from October 25 2015 – making for a smoother journey for guests also connecting onwards to destinations such as Los Angeles, Houston and Buenos Aires.

While these aircraft have been flying to Australia's east coast for some time and already come equipped with premium economy seats in addition to business class, Air NZ said its aircraft mix previously made it difficult to sell premium economy across the Tasman.

Chief Sales and Commercial Officer Cam Wallace added that “with the arrival of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, refurbishment of our Boeing 777-200 fleet and exit of the Boeing 747-400, we now have a consistent Premium Economy offering across our twin aisle wide body fleet.”

Premium economy provides guests with greater space, food and beverage that's a notch above economy plus a boosted baggage allowance, priority check-in privileges and access to the priority boarding lane.

Aboard Boeing 787s and refurbished Boeing 777-200s, guests can unwind in reclining leather seats in a 2-3-2 layout...... while the Boeing 777-300ER comes with the advanced Spaceseats in a 2-2-2 configuration:

Fares are now on sale, with a return journey from Sydney to Auckland in premium economy up for grabs from $879 in late October:

The launch naturally means the removal of an 'unpublished' benefit in Air NZ's Airpoints scheme and Virgin Australia's Velocity Frequent Flyer, whereby top-tier travellers can currently buy an economy fare across the Tasman and then stretch out in a premium economy seat at no extra charge.

A spokesperson for the airline told Australian Business Traveller that as part of the roll-out, passengers travelling on Works Deluxe fares in economy will no longer enjoy lounge access “to better align with the existing Premium Economy offering, which also does not include lounge access.”

However, guests who had already purchased a Works Deluxe fare prior to today, June 17, will still receive lounge access wherever available – including when travelling after October 25.

The Kiwi carrier will also roll out premium economy on its Pacific Island and Bali services from the same date.

Also read: Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 premium economy seat review

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