'Out' with the first-class, 'in' with the premium economy

With consumer preferences changing rapidly due to the economic slowdown, many carriers are now cutting first class seats and introducing a new class viz premium economy to cater to more customers, industry experts said.

In terms of price, comfort and amenities, the premium economy is placed somewhere between the economy and business classes. It, however, has wider seats, more leg room, more luggage allowance, bigger entertainment screens and a slightly more personalized service.

Qatar Airways Group, a leading Gulf-based carrier, plans to offer first class cabins only on its A380 aircraft in future, said Akbar Al Baker, CEO of the group. The carrier's other aircraft, including wide-bodies such as Boeing787 and Airbus 350, will only have business cabin. "It will be a global tendency and other airlines will follow us," Al Baker told China Daily.