Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com 19 ITB ASIA Official Dailies | AVOD, and on their new 777 fleet, offer a 2 x 4 x 2 configuration. We love the properly thick heavy blankets on offer, perfect for snuggling into on long haul flights, whilst the food isn't really any better than that in economy, the extra space, and power sockets at every seat make for a much more comfortable experience, and the seats being decently padded, are really super comfy. 04. Cathay Pacific: SCORE 78 When we reviewed Cathay's Premium Economy late last year, we fell in love with the product. Originally super huge fans of the Virgin Atlantic product we were wary that anything could compare. Yet we were blown away. The seats are super-comfortable, and with standard Cathay Pacific service, the product was virtually faultless. Naturally seats with leg rests (front row only), big TV screens, AVOD and noise cancelling headsets, we were transported from London to Hong Kong in what felt like moments rather than hours. The food, too, was exceptional, and we are still waiting to find eggs cooked onboard that can match what we experienced with this carrier. 03. Virgin australia (joint): SCORE 80 The fact that Virgin is sharing two of the three top premium economy ratings proves the group knows how to do this cabin class right. Virgin Australia sneaks in at joint 2nd, due to their premium space, premium product and recently renovated cabins. The new leaf motif that now runs through the Virgin Australia brand matches the designs found in their new lounges, and with 38-inch seat pitch, inset power and the most awesome award-winning RED entertainment system, it's the perfect place to perch yourself for Virgin Australia's long haul flights between Oz and the US. We love the little reading lights, the fun elements found in the cabin, and obviously the glamorous and fun-loving cabin crew. The order at your seat function on the IFE is a welcome bonus. 02. Virgin atlantic (joint): SCORE 80 Now that the whole fleet has had its refresh, Virgin Atlantic has managed to keep its head held high, offering still one of the best premium economy experiences in the world. With dedicated check-in, large leather seats, welcome drinks, excellent IFE and premium dining options, this cabin was the benchmark that all other airlines had to work to, as it was one of the original premium economies found in the market. Whilst Virgin Atlantic's premium economy seat is fantastically comfortable, especially compared to their fairly tight economy cabin section, the difference in price is well worth it. 01. air new Zealand: SCORE 88 Perhaps the best innovator in the skies right now, Air New Zealand has managed to secure our coveted number one spot on our Top 10 premium economy classes 2014. There is a mix of cabins here, either their fantastic space seat, or their new 787 premium economy seat. Both offering unparalleled comfort and innovation. For those travelling as a couple, the space seat is perfect, offering a little more snuggle room (perhaps not so good flying with a business partner) and a lot more privacy compared to regular premium economy cabins. Hell… white leather? Yes please! We love the effortless design aspects here. Flying in the cabin certainly feels more '2001 Space Odyssey' than long-haul flight. With the fixed shell design (not to everyone's taste) you have no fear of dunking your seat into the seat behind's food when you recline. For the just-launched the 787-9, expect Cathay style seats, with leg rests in every row but also expect a whopping 41-inch of seat pitch, that's huge, and surpasses the 38-inch standard seat pitch and a whopping 11-inch touchscreen TV (all the better for watching AirNZ's awesome safety videos on). Well done Air New Zealand, for making beautiful design and beautiful product work in harmony. Johnny Clark and his DesignAir offer consultancy services. Contact jonny@thedesignair.net Continued from page 18. siTTing CoMFoRTaBly? The BesT PReMiUM eConoMy seaTs in The sky

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