Qantas unveils next generation Premium Economy seat

Qantas revealed on Thursday that Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will use a new Premium Economy seat. The next generation seat is expected to debut in October. The new seat will be wider with more functional space and it will feature a unique recline motion that would support the body allowing the passenger to keep a more relaxing position.

"The Qantas Dreamliner will by flying some of the longest routes in the world, including non-stop from Perth to London, so we’ve focused on making each cabin the most comfortable in its class,” Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said. He added that the Premium Economy seat has a wow factor that makes it completely different from anything else in its class.

Qantas Dreamliner Premium Economy seat features

The Premium Economy seat has several features, including a seat as wide as Business Class seats on other airlines. It is 10 percent wider than the current Premium Economy seat. The new seat has increased recline, making it more comfortable during flight.

The headrest and footrest were also improved. The headrest can be fitted with a specially designed pillow while the footrest is more comfortable even in a reclined position. The comfort is complemented with inflight entertainment seatback screens. The new seat is equipped with high-definition Panasonic screens that are 25 percent larger than the current screens.

The seat now comes with a personal LED light that will minimise disturbance of other passengers. It also comes with two USB charging points per seat, shared AC power and five individual storage compartments.

It has a separate cabin of 28 seats with an improved aisle access for middle passengers. The seats use a two-three-two layout.

"When you combine these seats with the increased cabin humidity and turbulence reducing technology on the Dreamliner, it makes it an aircraft customers will really enjoy flying on," Joyce said. The seat will cater 236 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy.

Qantas Dreamliner Premium Economy seat designer

Australian industrial designer David Caon said that developing the new seats comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. He added that working with Qantas and Thompson Aero Seating has allowed the team to create a new standard for Premium Economy. "We've made sure this seat offers genuine comfort through design elements not seen before on aircraft. There are a number of new bespoke design elements that we hope will really set the benchmark for this class," Caon said.

Caon has worked in Milan and Paris for clients including Qantas, Qantas Dreamliner Premium Economy seat features. He was responsible for Airbus A380 interiors, Boeing 717s and Boeing 737s refurbishment and international lounges of Qantas in Hong Kong and Singapore. He worked alongside with Australian designer Marc Newson.