Qantas sets date for premium economy launch from London
Qantas is to introduce a premium economy cabin on flights from London to Sydney from next April.
The airline is installing 32 premium economy seats on its Boeing 747-400s in a two-four-two configuration.
The new 19.5-inch wide seat will provide up to 40-inch pitch and feature a 8.4-inch in-arm touch screen video monitor, ergonomic cushioning, an adjustable headrest and noise cancelling headsets.
The cabin will be available first on London to Sydney via Singapore and Bangkok flights from April 2, London to Melbourne via Singapore and Hong Kong from May 17 and London to Hong Kong from August 4.
Premium economy return fares from London (including taxes, levies and charges) will start at: Hong Kong £1,009, Bangkok £1,295, Singapore £1,392, Melbourne £1,801 and Sydney 1,809.
Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti said the seat was designed by Australian designer Marc Newson in association with Recaro, manufacturer of seats for the likes of Aston Martin, Audi and Porsche.
“Our service will also include priority check-in, dedicated cabin crew, an additional hand baggage allowance, and priority boarding and disembarkation,” Borghetti said.
“The Qantas A380’s spacious state-of-the-art interiors will include 32 Premium Economy seats in every aircraft in a two-three-two configuration.”
Qantas will take delivery of its first Airbus A380 in August 2008, with services to commence in the last quarter of the year.
To mark the launch of the new cabin, the airline is running a special offer of flights to Sydney from Heathrow and two domestic economy flights for £1,842.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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