Virgin Blue to introduce cattle class

Qantas is not interested, but Virgin Blue yesterday refused to rule out a new aircraft configuration designed to cram even more people into economy class by making half sit facing backwards.
The design, a cattle-class version of the business seating used by British Airways on flights to Australia, allows airlines to squeeze in an extra row of seats but gives more leg room.
Manufacturer Premium Aircraft Interiors Group says this means about 21 more seats in a 10-abreast configuration for Boeing 777 planes similar to the ones Virgin plans to use on its new long-haul airline.

Travellers would find themselves staring at the passenger next to them, but would get extra leg room with an 86cm seat pitch – the distance between a seat and the same point on the one in front – compared with the 79cm to 81cm standard on Qantas long-haul flights.

Putting people’s shoulders next to their neighbour’s knees – and squeezing the seats closer together – allows the extra row to be fitted. Boeing and Airbus have approved the design, and the makers are negotiating with 10 potential customers.

Qantas said yesterday it was not investigating the new seating, but a Virgin Blue spokeswoman would not rule it out.