SIA unveils new Premium Economy seats, in-flight offerings

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

The new seats were displayed for the first time today to the media, travel agents and corporate clients, following a two-year development programme and an investment of about US$80 million (S$107 million), said SIA.

Each seat in the Premium Economy Class 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, passengers 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, said the airline.

Priority check-in and baggage handling, with a baggage allowance of 35kg will be offered to customers. Members of the KrisFlyer frequent-flyer programme will also receive 10 per cent 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, according to the media statement.

It will enter commercial service on August 9, 2015 to Sydney, before being introduced to other destinations such as Beijing, Delhi, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, Tokyo and Zurich.

candicec@sph.com.sg