Cathay Pacific confirmed plans for a premium economy product, which will be introduced to its fleet in the second quarter of next year.
As previously reported (see story here), the news of the premium economy product was first revealed on respected industry website airlineroute.net based on a seat plan visible on the GDS reservation system that displayed a three-class Boeing B777-300ER operating between Hong Kong and Toronto, featuring economy, premium economy and business classes.
According to Cathay Pacific’s chief executive, John Slosar, the new product will be rolled out not only on the Hong Kong-Toronto route but on all of Cathay’s “long-haul routes, ultra long-hauls to Europe and North America and medium-hauls down to Australia, in the Middle East and other destinations.”
According to Slosar, the new product will be “a real upgrade” over economy class seats as it “will be more like a regional business class seat. We’ll have great recline and plenty of leg space.” Furthermore, “the meal service will be improved and little extras will leave anyone who chooses Cathay Pacific’s premium economy feeling they really got value for their money.”
The new product will be fitted onto the aircraft over the course of 2012.
In an interview with Business Traveller Asia-Pacific a few months ago, Slosar had hinted at the product because of its growing popularity in the industry. He said: “A few years ago, this was just a niche market, available in the UK, Australia and New Zealand and on mostly long-haul routes. But, going forward, a growing number of airlines seem to be moving into it. If that is the trend, then we will compete in that space.” Since then, the carrier has remained mum about it.
For more information, visit www.cathaypacific.com or view our coverage of Cathay’s development in this area here and here.
Alisha Haridasani
