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Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific Airways has released details of its new premium economy class and economy class seats which will be progressively introduced on its long-haul flights from March 2012 for operational commencement from April 2012 onwards. Unfortunately the carrier is not releasing pictures of the new cabin till next year.
With the carrier intending a clear differentiation between the two classes, the new premium economy product will feature a quieter, more spacious cabin than the existing Economy Class with between 26 and 34 seats. The seat pitch 38 inches, six inches more than economy class, with seats that will be 19.3 inches wide compared to 18.1~18.5 inches in economy. It will have a large meal table, cocktail table, footrest, a 10.6-inch personal television, an in-seat power outlet, a multi-port connector for personal devices, and extra personal stowage space.
Additional ground services like dedicated counters, priority check-in and aircraft boarding. There will also be an increase in baggage allowance from 20kg to 25kg (weight system) or two pieces of baggage from 23 kg to 25kg each (piece system).
Onboard, premium economy passengers will receive an amenity kit with dental kit, socks and eyeshade for use during the journey. Larger pillows and noise-cancelling headsets will be provided to enhance the onboard experience.
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| Cathay’s new Premium Economy and Economy class seating compared to the existing |
On the food front too, premium economy passengers will be welcomed aboard with juice and champagne, and enjoy an enhanced onboard meal selection. Each passenger will also receive a bottle of water and additional snack choices to include more fresh fruit, energy bar and dessert.
The new premium economy cabin will be installed on all Cathay Pacific long-haul aircraft including Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 747-400s, Airbus A330-300s and Airbus A340-300s.
The airline plans to have 87 aircraft fitted by the end of 2013. Initial routes to feature the new class include Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver and New York routes, followed by London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, continental Europe and other long-haul routes as the number of aircraft fitted with the product increases.
The new long-haul economy class seat will feature a cradle mechanism to enhance the level of comfort in the recline position, the latest high-resolution touch-screen personal televisions, a USB outlet and an iPod/iPhone outlet that allows passengers to connect their own mobile devices to view content through the personal televisions. The seat will also offer improved living space and more personal storage space.
The new economy class seats will be fitted on all Cathay Pacific long-haul Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330-300 aircraft and will be operated on Sydney and Toronto routes initially. A total of 36 Boeing 777-300ERs and 26 Airbus 330-300s will be fitted with the seats by December 2013.
