AirAsia adapts product to long-haul

AirAsia's longer-haul brand is adding premium seating to accommodate those longer hours.

The KL-based AirAsia x is going two-class with the installation of premium flat beds in its A330s and A340.

The move recognises that not every traveller wants to do long-haul in economy seating, even if the pitch and recline are a bit more generous than on short-haul.

It's just part of the inevitable adaption of the generic LCC model to longer route segments - and it will be interesting to see what else changes as the model seeks to grab market share from the established long-haulers.

Jetstar has perhaps led the way with unbundling on the longer-haul scene, but AirAsia is the first of the new model carriers to introduce flat bed seats, which have J class specs of 20 inches width, 60 inches pitch and a stretch of 77 inches in full recline.

The fleet refurbishment, which should be completed by June this year, will mean a configuration of 12/365 in the A330s and 18/309 in the A340.

Pax who choose to pay for the premium seat will get all the other perks thrown in, including priority check in, meals etc.

Pricing is not yet available, but it seems likely that the new seating will be offered at very competitive fares.