Air New Zealand (Auckland) accepted its first Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range) at a ceremony today (December 22) at Paine Field in Everett, WA. Air New Zealand ordered the first of five 777-300 ERs in August 2007 to complement the eight Boeing 777-200 ERs already in its long-haul fleet.

The airline intends to use the first three airplanes to operate between Auckland, Los Angeles and London beginning in April 2011.

Air New Zealand’s Boeing 777-300 ERs feature a unique, innovative seat experience in the Economy, Premium Economy and Business Premier classes. For example, “Skycouch” seating, known as CuddleClass, is available in the first 10 rows of Economy Class and will allow passengers who book three-wide seat space to raise the footrests with the touch of a button to create a lie-flat space similar to a sofa at home.

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy “Spaceseats” will feature a larger seat area and more room between passengers. When the seat reclines, it slides forward, preserving the personal space of the passenger sitting behind.

All seats have in-seat power and USB connections, allowing passengers to connect their MP3 players with the in-flight entertainment systems.

Copyright Photo: Boeing. Boeing 777-319 ER ZK-OKM (msn 38405) climbs away from Paine Field on December 22 bound for Los Angeles and Auckland.