SIA offers new premium economy class from August

SINGAPORE - Passengers travelling from Singapore to Sydney on Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be able to experience the carrier's new Premium Economy class from Aug 9.

In a press statement, SIA said that travellers can make bookings for seats on the new class beginning Tuesday, Feb 3.

The new class will offer passengers more space, comfort and convenience, with wider seats ranging between 18.5 and 19.5 inches and an eight-inch recline.

Complementing this will be a 13.3 inch full HD monitor, while active noise-cancelling headphones will also be provided to enhance the in-flight audio experience.

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

The new cabin class also offers a more extensive range of food and beverage selections, and customers can also select from the Premium Economy Book the Cook service, featuring popular dishes, from Apr.

Premium economy customers will also enjoy baggage allowance of 35kg, as well as priority check-in and baggage handling.

SIA said that the total investment for the new cabin class is estimated at US$80 million (S$108 million), and will initially be introduced on 19 Airbus A380s, 19 Boeing 777-300ERs and the first 20 Airbus A350s.

It will be progressively introduced to other sectors, including flights to Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Zurich in the latter part of 2015 and early 2016.

SIA CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, said the carrier has been heartened by the positive public reaction since plans for the new cabin class were announced last year.

"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, underpinned by the exceptional service that SIA is well known for," he said.

Customers may visit www.singaporeair.com for the most updated flight schedules and fare details for the new cabin class.

seanyap@sph.com.sg