Qantas announced last year that its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner would begin flying between Melbourne (MEL) and Los Angeles (LAX) by December. The airline has now revealed the new premium-economy seats that will be installed on these aircraft.
Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the new premium-economy seats feature an innovative reclining mechanism that shifts multiple seat components to better support the upper body when reclining. A redesigned headrest comes with a purpose-built pillow for improved neck support, and a newly shaped footrest enhances leg comfort. The seat is also approximately 10 percent wider than Qantas’ current premium-economy offering, giving passengers more personal space.
Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas, emphasized the comfort focus: “Our Business Suite has been dubbed ‘mini first class’ by some of our frequent flyers and our economy seat for the Dreamliner has features that some reserve for premium economy. This new premium economy seat has serious wow factor. You have to experience how well it supports you when you recline to realize it’s completely different from anything else in its class.”
The premium-economy cabin will be a separate section with 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. Each seat includes a high-definition Panasonic seatback screen that is 25 percent larger than the airline’s previous models, improving the in-flight entertainment experience. Passengers will also find five storage compartments built into each seat for convenient stowage of personal items, plus two USB ports for device charging. A shared AC power socket is available, and every seat is fitted with an individual LED reading light.
By expanding seat width, upgrading entertainment screens, and adding thoughtful storage and charging options, Qantas aims to elevate the premium-economy experience on its Dreamliners. The combination of an articulating recline, enhanced headrest and pillow, and a redesigned footrest is intended to provide better support and a noticeably more comfortable journey for medium- and long-haul travelers.
With these changes debuting on the 787-9 that will service MEL–LAX, Qantas is positioning its premium economy product as a clear step up from standard economy while offering many of the ergonomic benefits that travelers expect from higher fare classes. The separate cabin layout and upgraded amenities reflect a focus on passenger wellbeing and convenience during long-haul flights.