BUSINESS travel budgets are being cut as Asia's economic downturn spreads across global economies - and executives are feeling the pinch.
Fewer and fewer are now allowed to travel by first or even business class as cash- strapped companies tighten their spending. But while companies are cutting costs, executives are understandably reluctant to sacrifice comfort. The answer, according to Virgin Atlantic Airways, is its unique Premium Economy class. Neither 'business' nor 'economy', the category evolved from the European recession in the early 1990s and has never looked back.
Seats are as big and comfortable as most other business classes with a 38-inch pitch, the cabin is exclusive, passengers enjoy a dedicated check-in counter and can carry up to 30 kg of luggage - equal to standard business-class allowances.
The carrier is even offering two tickets for the price of one in a current Hong Kong promotion. Mark Siladi, Virgin Atlantic Airways' general manager for China, Hong Kong and Macau, said: 'It's in a class of its own. Right now, our promotion in Hong Kong is re-introducing consumers to this true value-for-money alternative.' In the 'buy-one-get-one-free' to London promotion, two passengers can fly for the price of the $16,520 round-trip ticket. Tickets must be bought before November 30.
