Australia's Virgin Blue is considering rolling out a three-class configuration in its aircraft from 2011.
The airline, which already offers premium economy seats, is looking at adding a new segment between this class and regular economy.
This new segment will have a narrower seat pitch compared to premium economy, but will have a wider pitch than regular economy, says Virgin Blue CEO Brett Godfrey.
It will target corporate customers who might not want to pay a lot more for premium economy, he adds, calling the proposed configuration "one class, three segments".
The idea is still in the idea stage but if it goes ahead, it will probably be rolled out in 2011 as that is when the airline is scheduled for fleet replacement, says Godfrey.
Virgin Blue expects to return to profit this year, after it made a loss for the first time in 2009, adds Godfrey.
"I don't believe there will be a double dip in our market. It is not a v-shaped recovery but it's still a recovery," he says.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
