Air New Zealand has been awarded Best Premium Economy in AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards for 2024.

Air New Zealand is widely recognized as an airline that punches well above its weight globally and is a carrier to watch when it comes to innovation.

AirlineRatings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas commented: “It is one of the few airlines in the world to have an investment grade credit rating, is a staunch supporter of its home country.

Air New Zealand has been a frontrunner when it comes to premium economy, and the product has garnered a slew of awards.

Air NZ shines regarding leg room with a generous 41-inch seat pitch (104.1cm) and a 19.3-inch seat width with a nine-inch recline and a five-inch wide armrest.

Premium economy passengers get a priority check-in of two pieces of checked luggage (up to 23kg each) and two pieces of carry-on weighing up to 7kg each.

There’s a USB power connector, universal power and an 11-inch high-definition touchscreen that allows passengers to access more than 1700 hours of entertainment.

There are also noise-cancelling headphones, a dedicated cabin staff as well as excellent food and wines from the business class menu.

Other extras include an amenity kit on long-haul flights as well as extras such as hot towels.

Some carriers are only now coming to grips with the increasing popularity of premium economy, and if they want to find someone to emulate, Air New Zealand would be the one.

READ: Why we have a 'best' and 'best value' Premium Economy award this year.