Hong Kong airline to replace ‘fixed-back shell’ economy seats after complaints

SYDNEY - Hong Kong’s biggest airline, Cathay Pacific, is set to replace its “fixed-back shell” economy-class seats in long-haul planes after passengers complained they were uncomfortable.

Sources have revealed that the existing coach seats, which have fixed-backs to prevent passengers from disturbing the person behind them when reclining, will be refitted and moved to short-haul and regional aircraft.

Shaun Rein, managing director of Shanghai-based China Market Research Group, which does consumer surveys for airlines and other clients, revealed that there have been a lot of criticism regarding the seats.It seems that Cathay is listening,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying.

The airline will also overhaul business-class and first-class seats as part of the long-haul refit, which includes Boeing 777-300ERs and some Airbus SAS A330s.

Cathay will also add premium-economy seating in the long-haul revamp that will begin next year.

Greg Powell, a spokesman for the Wellington, Florida-based company said B/E Aerospace, the world’s largest maker of cabin interiors, is working with Cathay on cushion upgrades for the fixed-back seats.

The sources said the new revamp will be announced in early December, and the airline is still working out the costs of the overhaul, which will take about two years to complete. (ANI)