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SYDNEY - Qantas has launched a new class for economy passengers travelling on long-haul flights and revealed a new version of its flying kangaroo logo.
The airline's new premium economy class will be offered on international flights of its Boeing 747-400 and new Airbus A380 aircraft.
Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti said premium economy would appeal to economy travellers seeking more space and a higher level of service.
"The seats offer extra width and recline, more legroom, and an in-arm digital wide-screen television monitor, as well as laptop power connection," he said.
Premium economy passengers will have access to a self-service bar and a choice of meals. The seats are almost 50cm wide and have a 23cm recline.
Premium economy travel will be available over time on B747-400 services to London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg from February next year. Further routes will be added following the introduction of A380 aircraft in August 2008.
The premium economy cabin will be located on the main deck of B747-400 aircraft and include 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration.
On the A380, the cabin will be located on the upper deck with 32 seats in a two-three-two configuration.
Qantas yesterday also unveiled a new interpretation of its flying kangaroo logo.
"This move also reflects the changing structure of our new aircraft, for example the shape of our new kangaroo is a great fit for the tail of the A380 and other new generation aircraft," Borghetti said.
The new branding, which also includes a new typeface, will be progressively rolled out in the lead-up to the delivery of the first A380.
The first aircraft to carry the new logo and livery - a Boeing 767 plane flying domestic routes - was rolled out yesterday.
The Qantas kangaroo logo first appeared in 1944, when the image from the Australian one-penny coin was adapted and painted beneath the cockpit of Qantas' first Liberator aircraft.
The logo has been revised four times since - in 1947, 1968, 1984 and 2007.
- AAP
