Travellers flying between London and Sydney will be able to take advantage of a new premium economy cabin from Qantas from next year.

The airline has revealed details of its new offering to be installed onboard its international Boeing 747-400 aircraft and its forthcoming fleet of A380 planes.

Passengers flying premium economy with Qantas will benefit from a dedicated check-in area, a nine-inch seat recline, a 42-inch seat pitch, a bigger touch screen video screen and a centre console with a fixed cocktail table, as well as an in-arm meal table.

The cabin will gradually be made available on certain London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg services from February 2008, with more routes to be added later next year.

"Premium economy will also include a self-service bar offering a selection of refreshments throughout the flight, in addition to the regular choice of meals designed by Neil Perry's Rockpool Group, premium wines, superior tableware and soft furnishings," commented Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti.

The airline also announced today that it will open new dedicated business class lounges at airports in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane by the middle of 2008, and unveiled a new interpretation of its famous kangaroo logo.

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