We chat to Karl Schubert, Public Relations Manager for South West Pacific, about Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy class and why so many Australians are choosing to fly in this upgraded cabin.

Tell us About Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy Cabin

It’s a very private cabin that really looks to provide another level of luxury to the customer and I think it’s next level. There’s every reason to choose Premium Economy over Economy Class.

How about the seat?

There’s about six inches more space than there is in Economy Class and about an eight-degree incline on the chair so not only can you sit comfortably but you can also kick back and relax. And there’s a footrest, 1,000 movie options and champagne – what more could you ask for?

The seats are leather too. It comes down to providing the customer with a premium experience – those finer touches and those details. The colour palette is high end too.

Which planes have Premium Economy?

Our A380, 777-300 fleet and our A350-900 fleet, so there’s plenty of opportunity to fly Premium Economy. It’s very popular. We launched in 2015 and we have seem huge growth and demand for this cabin, particular out of Australia.

We have 44 seats on the A380 and about 28 on the other planes, so it’s a really nice, smaller, more private cabin which gives you that sense of added luxury compared to what you would have in Economy Class. It’s a great option for people who want to arrive feeling more relaxed and it’s very popular with the older demographic who are maybe off to Europe to explore the world but maybe can’t justify the expense of Business Class flights.

What about the in-flight entertainment?

The screens on the plane are equipped with everything you could ever want from Hollywood blockbusters to over 1,000 TV and music options. So you won’t get bored on one of our flights.

And I hear the lighting has been specially designed?

We try and keep the lighting to, I guess, give the customer a sense of where they’re going and what they’re doing. You could call it mood lighting. It really tries to help ease guests into their journey and relax them so they get to their destination feeling fresh.

What food is on offer?

In Premium Economy you actually get three choices of main meal which is obviously more than in Economy. You also have the opportunity to do our ‘Book the Cook’ option, which means 24 hours before the flight you can select a main meal and that comes from a list of about 12-15 additional options.

There’s also bar service with champagne and a selection of wines carefully selected by our very talented wine panel of three internationally acclaimed wine experts. On top of that, you have the great Singapore Airlines service.

What’s Important to you when you’re travelling?

It’s a sense of comfort and space, and personalised space. To Singapore Airlines that’s really what we focus on and what we’ve delivered with the Premium Economy cabin.