The world is all aflutter with stories of Air New Zealand’s new product launch. The stories are of economy seats that lie fully flat. Real, or hot air?

Air New Zealand flew Cranky Flier down to New Zealand to see the launch of their new cabin products. He has the trip report down to New Zealand posted, but not yet details on the new cabin.

Kiwi Flyer has a first rundown of the details. Contra most reports, he says regular economy and business class receive only a modest refresh, with the big changes as follows:

Sky couch economy seat – 3 seats sold as a pair with a mini bed. A new twist on the old standby of using an empty row to lie down.

Space seat premium economy – a business lite product with two variants. One for couples with more access to each other, and one for single travellers with slightly more privacy. Unlike the existing premium economy seating is 2-2-2.

Scott McCartney has more details and photos of the Skycouch seats.

Mostly, though, I’m just jealous that Cranky got a free trip to Auckland. Read his trip report, it’s a good one so far!