The gap between business and economy classes on aircraft is getting larger. That's according to Paul Rombeek, Air France general manager, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, at a press briefing on Tuesday.

There are now more options for economy-class passengers who can pay more for their comfort but still can't afford premium fares.

Last week, Air New Zealand announced that economy-class passengers can enjoy lie-flat beds if two people travelling together pay for a third seat at about half price.

This week, Air France showcased its Premium Voyageur seats, which have been available on flights from Singapore to Paris since December last year.

They cost more than economy-class tickets but for passengers who value their comfort and sleep, this amounts to a world of difference.

The seats offer almost a metre in legroom, privacy in their fixed-shell design, 26cm video screens and business-class amenities such as a travel kit, feather pillows, wool blankets and noise-cancelling headphones.

A round-trip, all-inclusive ticket to Paris in Air France's Premium Voyageur costs about $3,146, compared to about $1,708 in economy and about $6,255 in business.

"We realised that there is a demand for a product that is priced between economy and business classes - and from this, we created the 'Premium Voyageur', which offers added comfort at very competitive prices," says Sharad Khuller, Air France KLM country manager, Singapore.

The economy element kicks in at meal times. Premium Voyageur passengers get the same food as those in economy class. Still, given that the premium service begins at the airport - priority check-in and boarding, 30kg baggage allowance - the category of food might be a small detail for most travellers.

The airline will gradually introduce Premium Voyageur on all its planes, with a total roll-out by next year.

PREMIUM VOYAGEUR

On Tuesday, Today had a chance to test out the new seats when they were shown at Shangri-La Hotel. The lowdown:

Eye-openers

- Incredible legroom. There's 40 per cent additional space as the 28 Premium Voyageur seats take up the same area as 40 economy class chairs. The seat pitch, the distance from one seat to another, is 97cm - almost a metre. There is an adjustable leg rest, which, combined with the foot rest and the 123° seat back recline, allows the body to stretch out enough to make sleep possible, if not sweet.

- Fixed shell seat. Each seat reclines without infringing on the space of passengers behind. Travellers can enjoy their meals and in-flight entertainment without having their space suddenly halved.

Fumbles

- Headphones, which are relatively difficult to stow away. They earn brownie points for being a seat fixture, allowing passengers to enjoy their in-flight entertainment until the last minute. Putting them back on their hooks, however, requires dexterity. Over all, though, the Premium Voyageur seat should wow those who are accustomed to flying economy.

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