Etihad Airways is increasing seat pitch and leg room for economy class passengers flying its Airbus A380 superjumbos.
But passengers will have to pay an unspecified extra amount to sit in the larger economy class seats.
The UAE carrier aims to have retrofitted its ten Airbus A380s with ‘economy space’ seats, with an increased seat pitch of up to 36 inches by December.
The redesign increases the number of extra legroom seats in economy from 20 to 80 on the double decker aircraft.
Additional economy space seats will be installed into 12 Boeing 777s and 21 Boeing 787 Dreamliners by the end of 2019.
This will raise the total number of extra legroom seats by 560%, according to the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.
Economy space complements the airline’s existing ancillary products “to provide customers with greater opportunities to personalise their journey, including neighbour-free seating option in economy and a range of ‘buy-on-board’ products,” the airline said.
“Irrespective of which seating option is selected, customers will continue to receive the Etihad’s complimentary core dining service and in-flight entertainment.”
Head of guest experience, Jamal Ahmed Al Awadhi, said: “We recognise that no two travellers are alike, and today’s customers demand more choice and personalisation during their travels.
“In response to the popularity and demand for extra legroom seats, we have reconfigured our economy cabin to allow travellers to enhance their overall travel experience.
“While many airlines have been squeezing more seats into economy class, we continue to focus on providing our guests with exceptional products and services that meet and exceed the demands and budgets of different types of travellers.”