Quantcast

Five airlines set new standards for long-haul economy class comfort

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
Five airlines set new standards for long-haul economy class comfort
Policy
Webp goh
Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer | Singapore Airlines

In recent years, several airlines have made significant improvements to their long-haul economy class seats, aiming to enhance passenger comfort and overall travel experience. Advances in aircraft technology and cabin design have enabled carriers to offer better seating options without compromising profitability.

Singapore Airlines has upgraded its economy class seats on newer widebody aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-10. These seats provide 32 inches of pitch and are nearly 19 inches wide, with features like six-way adjustable headrests. The airline's KrisWorld entertainment system offers a variety of movies, television shows, music, and games via touchscreen monitors with USB or power sockets. Singapore Airlines also emphasizes quality service, providing complimentary meals and beverages with dietary accommodations.

Qatar Airways has equipped most of its widebody fleet with slim seats that have a pitch of 31–32 inches and a width of about 18.5 inches. Despite being slimmer, these seats include more padding for added comfort. The airline's OryxOne in-flight entertainment system is available on many aircraft, offering seat-back screens and charging ports. Qatar Airways also provides multiple-course meals and additional amenities such as blankets and pillows on long-haul flights.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Japan Airlines stands out for its SkyWider economy seat, which measures between 18.5 to 19 inches in width and offers a pitch of 33 inches—larger than many competitors’ options. The SkyWider seat includes extra padding, adjustable headrests, and well-designed armrests with optimized tray tables. Passengers can access personal entertainment screens with an extensive content library and enjoy meals curated by Japanese chefs through partnerships with culinary competitions and restaurants. In addition to meal services, amenity items like slippers and eye masks are provided.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has upgraded cabins on long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner to feature seats with a pitch of 33 to 34 inches and widths ranging from 17 to 18 inches. ANA’s economy class includes personal touchscreen monitors for entertainment on lengthy routes including those between Japan and destinations like Mexico City or New York City. Seats are equipped with USB ports, power outlets, adjustable headrests, and the airline is planning further upgrades in ergonomics by 2026.

Cathay Pacific Airways was recognized at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for having the best economy class airline in 2025, as well as ranking second for both best seat design and catering in this category. Cathay Pacific’s economy seats offer a pitch of around 32 inches with an approximate width of 18 inches, ergonomic design elements such as adjustable headrests, large touchscreen monitors measuring up to 11.6 inches, device shelving, USB charging ports, power outlets, multi-course meal options featuring various cuisines, generous baggage allowances even for economy passengers on international routes.

These airlines continue to compete not only through pricing but also by improving the basic flying experience for long-haul travelers.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Recently, Flying Food Group, Inc. held a celebration at its LAV facility to mark Hispanic Heritage Month.

Oct 29, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. recently held an employee appreciation event at its LIH facility, coinciding with Halloween festivities.

Oct 29, 2025

Emirates Airline hosted members of UAE Team Emirates XRG at its Group Headquarters, marking the team's successful season in international cycling.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon has announced that its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino recognized its September High Flyers for their outstanding commitment to the company's 16 Leadership Principles.

Oct 28, 2025

Amazon announced that employees at its KSBD Air Hub in San Bernardino participated in the 2025 Pink on Parade for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oct 28, 2025

The ShebaMiles loyalty program, operated by Ethiopian Airlines for over 26 years, has more than 5.38 million members and offers four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Oct 28, 2025