Air New Zealand has revealed it will be adding a new cabin class that will essentially fill a niche between standard economy and premium economy products.

Kuwaiti LCC Jazeera Airways will mark the launch of the Middle East’s first long-haul, low-cost route later in October with the introduction of a premium economy class on board its new Airbus A320neos.

Star Alliance member TAP Air Portugal has launched a new travel class—EconomyXtra—which is located between the traditional Economy and Business Class on medium-haul flights.

Air France is looking at ways to “comfortably densify the economy cabins” as it seeks a competitive response to the threat of long-haul, low-cost carriers, according to Air France-KLM EVP Angus Clarke.

Kazakhstan-based Air Astana have presented its first of seven Airbus A321neoLR in the airline’s technical center at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport. The aircraft will replace the carrier's Boeing 757s, take over existing long-haul routes, and add capacity for new services including Tokyo and Singapore. Exclusive photos by ATW correspondent Kurt Hofmann.