Cathay to launch premium economy

Cathay Pacific has confirmed plans to introduce a premium economy product on its fleet in the second quarter of next year.

Chief executive John Slosar said that it would be "a real upgrade over economy".

The new product would be introduced on all of Cathay Pacific's long-haul routes and the medium haul to Australia and the Middle East.

"The seat will be more like a regional business class seat. We'll have great recline and plenty of leg space," Slosar said.

"But it's not just the seat, we'll have an improved service as well. 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 premium economy product will be installed on the fleet simultaneously with new seats in Business Class.

"We'll be doing all this quite quickly, although it will still take most of 2012 before it is on most of our aircraft," Slosar said.