Singapore Airlines brand new premium economy product has finally been revealed, with bookings for the new travel class opening today.
Behold – Singapore Airlines' new premium economy class seat
Effective from August 9, 2015, (Singapore's national day) customers travelling on select flights between Singapore and Sydney will be the first to experience the new cabin product. Premium economy will subsequently be added to other destinations served by SIA's fleet of A380s, B777-300ERs and the upcoming A350s.
Work on the new premium economy class began in November 2013, when the airline hired ZIM Flugsitz GmbH (A380 and B777-300ER) and Zodiac Seats US (A350) to work with JPA Design in developing the new seat. The investment, worth an estimated US$80 million will see the new travel class added to 19 A380s, 19 B777-300ERs and the first 20 A350s.
SIA has revealed that premium economy will be progressively rolled out to various destinations, including Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Zurich between the latter part of 2015 and early 2016.
SIA route map with premium economy class availability
In light of the new premium economy product, SIA's seat configurations will change. The B777-300ER will see a reduction in both first and economy class seats, while capacity on business class will be increased. Specifics of the new offering are: four seats in first, 48 in business, 28 in premium economy, and 184 in economy, in comparison to the existing setup of eight in first, 42 in business and 228 in economy.
Premium economy seat layout (A380-800)
Meanwhile, the premium cabins on the A380 will not be affected, with economy class being reduced to accomodate the new premium economy class seats. Premium economy will be configured in a 2-4-2 set up on both aircraft models.
Seat pitch in premium economy cabin
So what do we know of the premium economy seat itself? Well, the official statement by SIA is that the airline will introduce a leather seat that has a width ranging between 18.5 and 19.5 inches, and an eight-inch recline. Complementing this is a 13.3-inch full HD monitor, which the airline boasts as being “the largest in its class”. Premium economy passengers will also receive noise-cancelling headphones for an enhanced inflight entertainment experience.
IFE system in premium economy
Speaking exclusively to Business Traveller Asia-Pacific, an SIA spokesperson revealed that the 19 B777-300ERs with premium economy will also be refitted with the new first, business and economy cabin products introduced in 2013 (see here). In addition, there will be several differences between the seat product available on the B777-300ER and the A380. For instance, the seat width on the former will be 18.5 inches, while the latter will sport a wider one at 19.5 inches.
Furthermore, the SIA spokesperson also stated that while both aircrafts would feature the 13.3-inch monitor, only the B777-300ER will offer touch screen capabilities.
Recline on SIA's new premium economy seat
Other seat amenities include a calf-rest and foot-bar. Individual power outlets, USB ports, personal in-seat reading light, cocktail table, as well as additional stowage space. A headrest cover, cushion and blanket are all standard offerings.
Premium economy dining offering
“Many of our customers’ suggestions have been incorporated into the new product, and we are confident it will be well received by travellers who are looking for more features – in the seat design, in-flight offerings and exclusive privileges – all underpinned by the exceptional service that SIA is well known for, both on the ground and in the air,” said Singapore Airlines’ chief executive, Goh Choon Phong.
Free flow champagne in premium economy
SIA is also introducing a new dining concept to premium economy. In addition to a standard menu with three meal choices, customers will be able to select from a special “Premium Economy Book the Cook” selection. Existing first and business class patrons will be familiar with the “Book the Cook” concept, which allows them to order from an extensive selection of meal choices prior to boarding.
Priority baggage
Champagne will also be offered throughout the flight on premium economy, while the same holds true for a selection of curated wine. Given that most carriers typically only offer drinks periodically during a flight, having champagne available for the entire flight will be a major distinguishing feature that sets SIA's new offering apart from those offered by its competitors.
Krisflyer mileage accrual rate for premium economy
Finally, the baggage limit for premium economy has been set at 35kg – 5kg more than the existing economy class allowance. Members of SIA’s frequent flyer programme Krisflyer will also be able to earn 10 per cent more miles when they fly in premium economy, as compared to the regular economy accrual rates.
For more information, visit singaporeair.com
Clement Huang
