Australian airline Qantas has announced the completion of its first premium economy cabin.

The new cabin class has been fitted on a B747-400 plane, which will enter service this week on a route between Sydney and Hong Kong. The cabin is expected to be rolled out on aircraft operating between London and Sydney in the near future.

Features of the new premium economy cabin include 32 seats in a two-four-two configuration, an extra-wide seat with more space for reclining, in-arm touchscreen video monitors and a menu inspired by top chef Neil Perry.

"The new service also includes priority check-in, dedicated cabin crew, an additional hand baggage allowance, and priority boarding and disembarkation," commented John Borghetti, executive general manager of Qantas.

UK airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic already offer premium economy tickets on a number of their flights. Last year, Virgin fitted its entire Heathrow fleet with premium economy seats.

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