OREANDA-NEWS. Singapore Airlines' newest class of travel, Premium Economy Class, opens for sale.

From 9 August 2015, customers travelling on select flights from Singapore to Sydney will be the first to experience the new cabin class, which will subsequently be made available to other destinations served by the Airline's Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs, in addition to the future fleet of Airbus A350s.

Conceptualisation for the new Premium Economy Class seats started in November 2013, with seat manufacturers ZIM Flugsitz GmbH (for the A380 and 777-300ER) and Zodiac Seats US (for the A350), and award-winning design firm JPA Design. The total investment for the new cabin class, which will initially be introduced on 19 A380s, 19 777-300ERs and the first 20 A350s, is estimated at USD80 million.

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

"We have been heartened by the highly positive public reaction to our new Premium Economy Class since our plans were announced last year," said Singapore Airlines' CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong.

"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 - in the seat design, in-flight offerings and exclusive privileges - all underpinned by the exceptional service that SIA is well known for, both on the ground and in the air."

Premium Economy Class will welcome customers with a bespoke contemporary and stylish design, offering more space, comfort and convenience.

Each seat has a width ranging between 18.5 and 19.5 inches and offers an eight-inch recline for more ease and comfort. Complementing this is a sleek 13.3-inch full HD monitor, the largest in its class. Active noise-cancelling headphones will be provided to enhance the in-flight audio experience.

Thoughtful touches include full leather finishing and a calf-rest and foot-bar for every seat. Seats also feature individual in-seat power supply, two USB ports, personal in-seat reading light, cocktail table, as well as additional stowage space for personal items such as a water bottle, mobile phone and laptop. To enhance the individuality of the new class, seat amenities such as the headrest cover, cushion and blanket come in specially selected and matching colours.

Customers in Premium Economy Class can choose from a more extensive range of food and beverage offerings. Besides being able to select from a standard menu with three meal choices, customers may, from April 2015, also select from the Premium Economy Book the Cook service featuring popular dishes. Champagne will be offered, in addition to a selection of curated wines, throughout the flight.

To ensure a seamless experience that begins on the ground, priority check-in and baggage handling will be offered to customers travelling in Premium Economy Class. Customers will also enjoy a baggage allowance of 35kg. KrisFlyer members will receive 10% more miles when they fly in Premium Economy Class.