FOR years economy passengers have complained about lack of legroom. Now Virgin Australia is the next airline to actually do something about it.
The airline has revealed it will offer economy class passengers more legroom and “preferred” overhead compartment storage with its new Economy X service.
The service will launch on domestic flights from May this year, the airline announced on Thursday.
As well as a minimum of three inches (7.62cm) of extra legroom, Economy X passengers will also score priority boarding and priority security screening.
Virgin Australia’s entire fleet of 75 Boeing 737 aircraft is expected to be reconfigured to Economy X by the end of May, with new seats on rows three to five, and the exit rows.
The service will also be introduced on its Virgin Australia’s Airbus A330 aircraft, Boeing 777-300ERs, Embraer E190s, ATR jets, Fokker 70s and Fokker 100s.
The airline said it was a first for the Australian market.
“We know that speed on the ground and space in the air are important to our guests, which is why we’re excited to launch Economy X,” Virgin Australia’s group executive John Thomas said in a statement.
“Economy X will empower passengers to tailor their travel experience and will give them more choice when they fly.
I’m confident that Economy X will be very well received by guests.”
The announcement comes weeks after Qantas unveiled its new premium economy seats that will debut on its upcoming Dreamliner fleet, offering an update to its existing product.
Virgin Australia’s Economy X will replace Economy Space+ both on long and short haul international flights.
On long-haul flights, the service will also include guaranteed first meal choice and a premium noise-cancelling headset.
Economy X will be free for Velocity Platinum frequent flyers on domestic and short-haul international flights.
The service goes on sale on Friday, March 31.
Online Source: The News
