infoworks said:
QF tried a version of premium economy way back, called it business class, when they had a first class. was bad and didn't last long!
I think you may be referring to Australian Airlines (the original TN carrier, not the current AO carrier). For a short time they offered a 2x2 seating (by blocking the middle seat) on 737 aircraft in a block behind the front cabin. At that time they called the front two rows Business Class and the next section was called Club Class and sold as the full Y fare. Discounted economy received standard 3x3 seating.
I can't remember all the details, but suspect Club also included free alcohol while economy did not.
This was done back in the early 90s in response to decline in paid F travel on domestic routes. Many corporations changed the travel policies to per restrict the use of First Class or Business Class fares. So by changing the front section name to Business Class, those who were not allowed to buy First Class tickets but were allowed business class were able to purchase the nice seats. And those who were not allowed to buy business class were often able to slip in a "Club" fare at the full Y price.
I believe this cycle is what are seeing now in international travel. The business class cabin is now as good as the first class cabin of 10-15 years ago, and there is a big gap between economy and business class. I expect we will see more and more 3-class cabins changed to Business Class (with flat beds), premium economy (large seat pitch and good recline) and standard economy. In that way corporate travel policies that do not permit business class fares may be able to use premium economy. Its just a matter to starting the cycle again.
I don't think we will see premium economy on Qantas domestic service. I would not be surprised to see more of it on other carriers (DJ already has Blue Zone seating). But I do expect we will see it on QF international services before too much longer - maybe the A380 will be the catalyst.