After nearly years of speculation it was finally announced today that Air New Zealand (yes, New Zealand again) will be giving the people exactly what they want, a good night’s sleep. The seats in their 777s are to be adaptable so that people can stretch out from window to aisle.

Coined “the Skycouch” the genius is in its simplicity: flip-out extensions to the seat bottom and movable armrests. These features can set up a bed of sorts that allow for two people to lie down side-by-side, for one person to have ample flopping space or for a family to play games and actually enjoy a long flight for a change.

People expecting business class comforts in the way of service and meals may be disappointed however–it’s still economy class and the absence frills will be a matter of course. But the ability to lie down will make any grumblings disappear right around nap time.

According to the Wall Street Journal:

Air New Zealand said 22 sets of the Skycouch seats will be available…to all of the airline’s Asian, North American and United Kingdom destinations by 2012.

The first flights to use the seats will be the Auckland to Los Angeles route in December.

The exact specs are being guarded by the Air New Zealand PR team, but they do specify that the cost of being able to lie flat will be about $200 $70 more than the lowest economy seat, along with the third seat coming at half price. Word is the premium economy and business class are also under the drill for better space utilization.

To promote the occasion the crack Air New Zealand A-V team has put together a nice video to show the world their great idea.

What do you think of the seating arrangement? Godsend or seating boondoggle?

Photos and video courtesy of Air New Zealand.