China Eastern to introduce premium economy class

China Eastern Airlines is set to introduce premium economy class onboard its long-haul aircraft. According to Travel Daily Media, the Shanghai-based Skyteam carrier will not be retrofitting any of its existing aircraft with the new cabin class. Instead, it will introduce premium economy on aircraft that are due to be delivered between 2018 and 2021. This will include 15 B787-9 Dreamliners as well as 20 A350-900s. The Boeing aircraft will offer a four-class configuration, with four seats in first, 26 in business, 32 in premium economy and 227 in economy. The A350 will also sport a four cabin layout, with four seats in first, 36 in business, 32 in premium economy and 216 in economy class. Fitting four cabin classes into the B787-9 is rare in the industry, with British Airways being the only other carrier to do so. The Oneworld member offers eights seats in first, 42 in Club World (business), 39 in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and 127 in World Traveller (economy). A four-class A350-900 is currently not offered by any carrier, which may make China Eastern the pioneer for such a layout when it takes delivery of the fuel-efficient aircraft. For more information, visit en.ceair.com Clement Huang