Singapore Airlines Unveils New Premium Economy Class Experience

Singapore Airlines just unveiled its new Premium Economy Class seats and the in-flight offerings that customers will enjoy when the new cabin class enters service in August.

Following a two-year development program and an investment of about US$80 million, the new seats were displayed for the first time today at a media launch in Singapore. Launch events are also taking place to display the new product to travel agents and corporate clients.

Premium Economy Class will welcome customers with a contemporary and stylish design. Each seat has a width of either 18.5 or 19.5 inches, depending on aircraft type, with an 8-inch recline and a seat pitch of 38 inches. Together with active noise-cancelling headphones and a sleek 13.3-inch full HD monitor which is the largest in its class, customers can look forward to an enhanced in-flight entertainment experience.

Other features include a full leather finishing, calf-rest and foot-bar for every seat, individual in-seat power supply, two USB ports, personal in-seat reading light, cocktail table, and more stowage space for personal items.

"Many of our customers have been asking for a Premium Economy offering and we are confident that what we are delivering will exceed their expectations," said Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial, Mr Mak Swee Wah.

"The new cabin product is the culmination of two years of work, which included extensive research and focus group studies involving customers and our design partners. Our Premium Economy Class will provide customers more comfort and in-flight amenities. Complemented by the exceptional service that Singapore Airlines is so well known for, the new cabin class will be 'a great new way to fly'."

Premium Economy Class will provide an extensive range of food and beverage offerings, which includes the Premium Economy Book the Cook service, enabling advance ordering of a selection of main courses.

Priority check-in and baggage handling, with a generous baggage allowance of 35kg, will be offered to customers. Members of the KrisFlyer frequent-flyer programBest premium will also receive 10% more miles when they fly in Premium Economy Class.

Premium Economy Class will be progressively introduced on 19 Airbus A380s, 19 Boeing 777-300ERs and the first 20 Airbus A350s. It will enter commercial service on 9 August 2015 to Sydney, before being introduced to other destinations such as Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Zurich.

Lufthansa’s New Premium Economy Class Now Offered On Half Of Airline’s Long-Haul Fleet

·         53 aircraft equipped with approximately 2,000 Premium Economy seats

·         Completion of retrofitting in autumn 2015

The retrofitting of Lufthansa’s new Premium Economy class on the airline’s fleet is on schedule. Today, experts from Lufthansa Technik completed the installation of Premium Economy class seats in an Airbus A340-300 with the registration D-AIGO, and as a result, passengers can already enjoy the airline’s new travel class on half of Lufthansa’s long-haul jets. Thus, a total of 53 aircraft— approximately 2,000 new, well-equipped seats— now offer an added, extra comfort in Economy Class.

The retrofit order is carried out according to the type of aircraft. Therefore, all Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380 aircraft on routes originating from the Frankfurt hub already have Premium Economy on board. A total of 15 of the Airbus A340-600 aircraft stationed in Munich, and both A340-300 aircraft in Dusseldorf, also feature the new seats.

Currently, Lufthansa jets with Premium Economy on board are already flying to the 33 most important long-haul destinations including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, Singapore and Hong Kong. The first customer ratings for this newest class show a high level of satisfaction, with seat comfort, service and excellent value for the cost are praised.

The remaining aircraft of the type: Airbus A330-300, A340-300, A340-600 and Boeing 747-400 will be retrofitted in the coming weeks. Completion of the retrofit is expected for autumn 2015. 

On the new Premium Economy Class:

The seat is up to three centimeters wider, depending on the type of aircraft. Additionally, the separate armrests for each seat and the center console between the seats ensure extra privacy and a total of approximately 10 centimeters of more space to the side. The backrest can be tilted further back and the seat spacing is more generous at 38 inches or 97 centimeters. Thus, the personal space for passengers increased by about half compared to Economy Class. The adjustable headrest can be folded at the sides and gives ample support. Height adjustable footrests beginning with the second row, and leg supports with integrated footrests in the front row, provide additional comfort. With two pieces of luggageup to 50 pounds, each passenger has twice as much free baggage allowance as in Economy Class. For a surcharge of 28 dollars, passengers also have the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of many Lufthansa Business Lounges before their flight. Access to the Welcome Lounge in Frankfurt is possible for a fee of 56 dollars. The check-in and boarding process, and the hand baggage regulations, are similar to those in Economy Class.

On board, Premium Economy passengers can expect an upgraded service: Passengers can control the extensive in-flight entertainment program using their own touch-screen with a display size of 11 to 12 inches (28 to 30 centimeters). Furthermore, each seat offers a USB port and an electrical outlet so passengers can use their own devices. A diverse selection of newspapers and magazines complement the entertainment program.

For more information visit http://www.lufthansagroup.com/de/themen/premium-economy.html

About Lufthansa

One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa currently flies to 207 destinations in 76 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. With the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, SWISS and a stake in Brussels Airlines, Vienna, Brussels, and Zurich were added as additional hubs and the entire Group flew a total of 106 million passengers in 2014. From its 21 North American gateways, Lufthansa — voted by Fortune as one of the five most admired airlines in the world — along with its Group members and Star Alliance partners, serve over 1,300 destinations worldwide. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleet in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-8, as well as the Airbus A380. Currently, Lufthansa has over 272 new aircraft worth about USD 46 billion in list prices on order. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, the industries’ two most fuel-efficient passenger aircraft. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues to build new or upgrade existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network and will spend more than USD 3.7 billion in new products and services by 2016. In 2014, Lufthansa introduced its new Premium Economy Class which offers further comfort and more personal space. In the first quarter of 2015, Lufthansa will finish revamping its First Class, followed by the completion of its Business Class retrofit in the second quarter. By the end of the third quarter of 2015, the new Premium Economy Class will be installed throughout the entire fleet – bringing Lufthansa one step closer to becoming the first five-star airline in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, nearly the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet is equipped with its onboard broadband wireless Internet service, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit www.LH.com.

Travelore Tips: Premium Economy Seats Worth The Upgrade

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic launched the "premium economy" concept in 1992 to woo cost-minded business travelers—and the service hasn't changed much in the decades since. Not that that's a bad thing; the dedicated check-in and bag drop ensure exclusivity from the very beginning, and the purple leather seats boast a width of 21 inches, one of the biggest in the business. The airline also offers some of the best Premium Economy dining options, including a multi-course meal and after-dinner drinks.

Courtesy Virgin Atlantic

Japan Airlines

If you need a cocktail to help you relax during a flight, Japan Airlines's Sky Premium class has you covered: The expanded beverage selection includes champagne, sake and sochu, among other offerings. This is in addition to the the TUMI amenities kit and the unique slide-down seat design inside individual shells, which prevents passengers in front of you from reclining into your lap. The perks start well before you board: pre-boarding lounge access is included.

Courtesy Japan Airlines

British Airways

The airline's recently updated World Traveler Plus cabin now includes more comfortable seats outfitted with greater recline capacity and adjustable head- and footrests. Noise-canceling headphones and a fleece blanket only add to the comfort level. Plus, the entire dining experience has been improved: A three-course lunch or dinner includes some items from the business class menu, as well as snacks and cocktails. And if that's not enough, meals are served on actual china.

Courtesy British Airways

Qantas

A team of Australian hospitality experts is involved in the high-quality (and chic) premium economy experience aboardQantas. The cabin's wide seats also have a pitch that ranges from 38 to 42 inches; they come with adjustable ergonomic headrests designed by Marc Newson and built by Recaro. And menu, designed by chef Neil Perry, is complemented by fine Australian wines. There's also a self-serve snack bar as well as beverage service throughout the flight, starting with a welcome drink.

Courtesy Qantas

Air New Zealand

Known for being one of the most innovative airlines in the world (have you seen the epic Hobbit-themed safety video?), Air New Zealand's Premium Economy Spaceseat (available on its 777-300 aircraft) is otherworldly. The stylish, white leather seat (outfitted into its own shell) is quite striking: It has two center seats, which allow passengers to face each other over an extra-wide armrest. It's perfect for traveling couples, who can enjoy a dinner date at cruising altitude.

Cathay Pacific

Every trip on Cathay's Premium Economy cabin starts with a hot towel and a glass of bubbly (or juice, if you so prefer), hinting at the enhanced food service for the flight (including tasty meals and a variety of snacks). The seats, which have an eight-inch recline, end on either legrests (if you're in the front row) or three-position footrests. Amenities like noise-canceling headphones, fancy bathroom soaps, eco-friendly amenities, and the oversized pillows add to the luxurious experience.

Courtesy Cathay Pacific

Alitalia

A dedicated check-in desk plus priority baggage handling at the destination streamline the pre- and post-flight experience when you've booked a Classica Plus ticket. The ergonomic seats are fairly wide at just under 19 inches, and the leg rests and 120-degree recline add to comfort of the product. Because you're flying Italian, the food and beverage perks are delicious: You're served a welcome drink, a traditional antipasto, and Italian wine, before capping the meal off with a shot of espresso.

OpenSkies

The lesser-known sister airline to British Airways only has one route: New York City (from either JFK or Newark Airport) to Paris' Orly Airport and back. Its Premium Plus category is all about intimate luxury thanks to a 2:2 configuration. The seats—with chic leather accents—recline to a comfortable 130 degrees. With the 47" pitch, it's difficult to find a more spacious premium economy seat flying the friendly skies. Bonus: Everyone on the plane has access to an entertainment-packed iPad.

Courtesy OpenSkies

ANA

Like JAL, ANA offers premium economy travelers lounge access in Tokyo plus in several airports in the U.S. and Europe. In the air, you'll be treated to seats that are nearly 20 inches wide, with both lumbar support and a foot rest. The meal service is technically the same as what you would get if you flew economy, but there are added treats such as red and white wine plus dessert from the business class menu. Don't forget to sift through the amenities kit; slippers are included.

Courtesy ANA

Thai Airways

Now that Thai Airways has ceased flying through the U.S., American travelers looking to board the airline have to get Europe first, with the most convenient connections via Scandinavia. Flights from Stockholm or Copenhagen to Bangkok are selling the last five rows of the business cabin on a Premium Economy ticket, meaning you get to travel the 11-hour flight in a lay-flat seat with the airline's economy service. Pricing here is roughly half the business rates and won't include the fancy dining options, which shouldn't be a big deal if you're spending most of the time sleeping.

Courtesy Thai Airways

Contributed by Chadner Navarro, www.cntraveler.com

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