China Southern: new full flat business seats from Perth, Brisbane
By John Walton, January 31 2013
China Southern is launching its newest fully flat business class seats for flights from Brisbane and Perth, with the extra comfort part of the airline's "Canton Route" connecting Australia to global destinations via Guangzhou.
Passengers will find the new business class seats on flights from 1 April.
The flat seats on the airline's newest Airbus A330 planes are 188 cm (6 feet 2 inches) in bed mode, and recline from the upright position through to very nearly horizontal.
As you can see, the press images demonstrate that there's a bit of space left at ankle level, which savvy travellers fix by folding up a spare blanket.
In terms of width, you've got a reasonable 51 cm (20 inches) to spread out, and the 2-2-2 cabin layout means that there's no middle seat.
You'll be entertained with a 38 cm (15 in) screen during the flights, which also promise "a fusion of western and Chinese cuisine".
Things are pretty decent back in economy too, with on-demand entertanment and a fresh new cabin.
China Southern Regional General Manager Australia/New Zealand Henry He is keen to point out that he kept his promises to Australia's business travellers:
"We promised to deliver our best aircraft to Australia and we’ve done it!" Mr He said.
"Australia remains our key overseas market and to ensure its success we plan to continually update our product and improve our service to offer the best travelling experience on our Canton Route to the World."
Want to keep up with the very latest business class news, plus information that frequent flyers need to know? Follow @AusBT on Twitter!
Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.
23 Dec 2011
Total posts 6
No good. I am 193 cm tall.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 785
Ditto. I'm sure they could have found another 2" of width as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Dec 2012
Total posts 20
Shame there is no direct isle access, i'm a big fan of the window seat. But again, other longer-haul flights don't have them either.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
10 Jan 2012
Total posts 259
As a majority Y flyer and someone that lives in BNE, this is good news. The cabin looks great, and if the soft product is reflective, CZ will be a reasonable alternative to the other Asian carriers. Hopefully they'll keep their very competitive prices the way they are on flights to Europe and LAX.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
23 May 2012
Total posts 268
Looks alright, I have been waiting for a better economy class for ages. Previously, the airlines economy class didn't have seatback entertainment and there was just a looped video on a small screen 5 rows ahead, I gave up on its flights so I just turn to flying Cathay, Virgin or Qantas to Hong Kong and take the train to Guangzhou.
Now the economy cabin looks for spacious and feels cleaner! Anyone know when it will go to Sydney?
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 316
My step-father flew with them in J last week. They still have a long way to go in terms of service and really don't understand how westerners dine. Interesting to see how they go.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Oct 2012
Total posts 130
I really am surprised that any airline right now can deliver a flat bed on an isle but do not think about how a window seat pax could even get out without waking up the person next to them?( have a look at the pics above) Yes flat bed are the way to go but there has to be isle access for all pax using them . ( this is common sence) isnt it?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Oct 2012
Total posts 130
I really am surprised that any airline right now can deliver a flat bed on an isle but do not think about how a window seat pax could even get out without waking up the person next to them?( have a look at the pics above) Yes flat bed are the way to go but there has to be isle access for all pax using them . ( this is common sence) isnt it?
17 Jan 2013
Total posts 7
Excellent news.. this is just what the people of Perth like to hear. Airlines investing in them for all the business they give. Point in hand, Qatar who were dedicated to putting the 787 on this route when functional.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on China Southern: new full flat business seats from Perth, Brisbane