Air Astana 'economy sleeper class': New class for long haul flights

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This was published 9 years ago

Air Astana 'economy sleeper class': New class for long haul flights

By Richard Green
Updated
Economy Sleeper formalises the good fortune of entering an economy cabin to find three empty seats together.

Economy Sleeper formalises the good fortune of entering an economy cabin to find three empty seats together.

It's not much more than a mattress lying across a row of seats, but this is Air Astana's new concept in economy long haul, called 'Economy Sleeper Class'.

It launched on February 3 on flights between Heathrow, London and Astana (the capital of Kazakhstan). It's also available on the Frankfurt to Astana routes; Paris–Astana is to be added in March.

Economy Sleeper formalises the good fortune of entering an economy cabin to find three empty seats together. The product refines the experience, makes it more comfortable, and charges for it. Economy Sleeper Class costs £1,489 ($A2955) for the three seats, compared to £897 per seat for full fare economy and £3,618 for a seat in full fare Business Class.

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In Economy Sleeper the arm rests fold up and a passenger can stretch out with a mattress, a business class pillow, duvet and amenity kit, plus enjoy priority check-in and lounge access.

This growing airline is gaining a good reputation, with a young fleet and a 4-star airline rating from Skytrax. The service is also available on flights from Astana to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

The development echoes the Air New Zealand Skycouch, dubbed 'Cuddle Class', that was launched in 2011.

These specially designed seats include a panel at the front that folds up to the horizontal to create a sleeping area enough for two people. A couple travelling together and sitting or sleeping across three seats costs from £1,895 per person return from London to Auckland. Regular economy is from £994 per person and Business Class from £4,083 per person.

While business class seats have evolved into technologically and ergonomically sophisticated items – most are now fully adjustable and convert into a 180-degree sleeping surface, economy seats have changed little over the decades.

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Stacked bunks and seats that convert into flat surfaces at 45-degree angles have been mooted as design concepts, but thus far economic and practical considerations have prevented further development.

It is too early to call Air Astana's and Air New Zealand's enhanced economies a trend, but they do offer ways of making overnight flying in economy a more comfortable experience.

The Telegraph, London

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