Air Premia to Reduce Economy-Class Seats and Increase Seat Pitch
Total seat count cut by 18, from 344
Lightweight carpet replacement to reduce fuel consumption
Remaining aircraft to be reconfigured in the first half of next year
Air Premia has reduced the number of seats on its aircraft and increased the spacing between them to improve comfort for passengers on long-haul routes.
Air Premia said on November 2 that it had increased the seat pitch in the economy class of aircraft HL8703 from 31 inches to 33 inches. The seat reconfiguration began in mid-October, and the aircraft was returned to service on October 31 after the work was completed.
As a result, the aircraft’s total seat count fell by 18, or 5.2%, from 344 to 326. The move focused not simply on seat capacity but on improving the space passengers experience during long-haul flights. Increasing the seat pitch by 2 inches has created a more spacious flying environment.
Along with rearranging the seats, the airline also replaced the cabin carpets. Digital printing technology was used to create a design that reflects the brand’s identity. The new carpets are made of lighter materials than the previous ones, reducing the aircraft’s weight and helping cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Air Premia has gradually increased economy-class seat pitch, beginning with two aircraft in 2024, followed by aircraft in March this year and now HL8703. The airline currently operates nine aircraft, with three configured for 309 seats, two for 320 seats, three for 326 seats, and one for 344 seats. The remaining 344-seat aircraft is scheduled to undergo reconfiguration in the first half of 2027, taking into account overseas maintenance schedules and other factors.
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“On long-haul routes, passengers spend a great deal of time on board, so seat space and the cabin environment are important parts of their travel experience,” an Air Premia representative said. “We will continue to improve our seat configurations and cabin environment with passenger comfort in mind.”
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