China Southern to Introduce Premium Economy Class on All Domestic Routes

China Southern Airlines is expanding its Premium Economy Class service to all its domestic routes using Boeing 777, 737 (NG) and Airbus 319, 320, 321 and 330-200/300 series aircraft.

Beginning 28 March 2010, China Southern customers will be able to book and purchase their seats in Premium Economy Class on routes from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Beijing and Shanghai, at the same cost of the full-fare economy ticket. The new service will be gradually phased in on all domestic routes.

By this July, the airline expects to have 7,000 Premium Economy seats available on nearly 300 aircraft.

The Premium Economy Class - which has been available on China Southern’s non-stop transpacific service between Guangzhou and Los Angeles for more than a decade - offers customers a more comfortable seat and upgrade cabin services.

40% Additional Space: The seat pitch has been extended from the standard Economy pitch of 31-inches to between 35-37 inches to offer expanded legroom. The re-designed cabin offers between 24 to 53 Premium Economy seats (depending on aircraft) separated by curtains and portable doors to guarantee private space and privacy;

New Cabin Amenities: Includes a bottle of water before taking off, a piece of newspaper, thick wool blankets and pre-flight snacks;

Exclusive Premium Economy Check-in Counter: Features China Southern’s distinct Premium Economy logo and a commitment that passengers will wait no more than eight minutes in line. Customers also will have an extra luggage allowance of 5kg;

 Priority Ground Service: With priority baggage delivery, boarding at passengers’ convenience and priority class upgrade if the Premium Economy cabin is overbooked;

 Free Re-Routing Between Neighboring Destinations: First Class, Business Class and Premium Economy Class passengers are provided with free re-routing services between neighboring destinations. For example, passengers who purchase tickets to Beijing may have the alternative to depart from Tianjin during the return fight. This service is now available on routes between Shanghai and Hangzhou, Beijing and Tianjin, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Shenyang and Dalian, Changchun and Ha’erbin.

 Earn Extra FFP Miles: A full fare ticket in Premium Economy Class will earn customers 10% more FFP mileage than a full-fare economy ticket.

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