Hawaiian Airlines has announced plans to introduce new luxury design elements and enhanced service options in its A330 premium cabins, including the addition of 180-degree lie-flat seats.
The 180-degree seats will use an innovative seat platform to fold into 76-inch beds, maximizing space for passengers while providing options for both privacy and a shared flight experience. They will also feature an in-flight entertainment powered by the next generation of large-format tablets and equipped with a telescoping tablet arm that adjusts to optimize viewing angle and comfort.
The seats will be installed in a 2-2-2 configuration.
The first newly outfitted aircraft is expected to enter Hawaiian’s long-haul network in the second quarter of 2016. The airline will begin installing lie-flat seats in the remaining 22 A330 aircraft in September of 2016 through 2017.
The seats come from Italian manufacturer Optimares.
Mark Dunkerley, President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines:
“We have designed an experience that will usher in a new era in premium service to Hawai’i, one that resulted from a thorough review of guest feedback and intensive research to develop a best-in-class product for our long haul aircraft.”
More premium economy seats
As part of the cabin redesign, Hawaiian also announced it will add 28 additional Extra Comfort seats on each A330 aircraft in response to growing demand for its popular premium economy service. The Extra Comfort option features 36 inches of seat pitch; priority boarding at the gate; complimentary on-demand in-seat entertainment; and a personal power outlet.
Today, Hawaiian’s wide-body, twin-aisle Airbus 330-200 aircraft seat 294 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 40 in Extra Comfort and 236 in the Main Cabin. In the new configuration, the aircraft will seat 278 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 68 in Extra Comfort and 192 in the Main Cabin. Seat pitch in the Main Cabin will remain a roomy 31 inches.
Hawaiian operates its A330 aircraft on the majority of its North American and international routes.
N.B. Image credit: hawaiianairlines.com
