HAECO Cabin Solutions has been selected to supply their Vector Economy seats for Air New Zealand’s newest long-range passenger cabins on 22 Boeing 787s. The fleet will serve international destinations for Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul route network.
Vector Economy’s features include a high-comfort headrest, an ergonomically sculpted seatback and cushions, an amenity stowage compartment, a 13.3-inch HD seatback video screen with Bluetooth audio, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Air New Zealand will offer three economy class seating options based on Vector Economy platform: Vector Economy Skycouch – convertible into a lie-flat bed, Vector Economy Stretch – increased leg room, and Vector Economy Standard – the baseline seat with a full complement of comfort enhancing features.
“We were really encouraged by HAECO in the way they approached our journey to think differently about how we could maximize the Economy customer experience,” Air New Zealand head of Aircraft Programs Kerry Reeves said. “Working virtually throughout Covid added another layer of complexity. Without being able to travel to the HAECO site to validate our ideas and concepts, we built a mock- up both at our innovation lab in New Zealand and at HAECO U.S. facility to ensure we had a common design interpretation, and nothing was lost in translation.”
Doug Rasmussen, president and group director of HAECO Cabin Solutions, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Air New Zealand and highly value them as a strategic partner of the HAECO Group. Vector Economy hits the sweet spot of delivering on multiple goals for both the airline and its customers. Through the use of leading-edge design principles and material selection, including the use of composites and titanium, this seat achieves the dual goals of reduced weight while delivering high durability. Vector Economy also provides a new level of passenger comfort in the economy cabin through industry-leading living space and passenger focused amenities.”
Vector Economy is manufactured at HAECO Cabin Solutions’ facilities in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.