The big squeeze: Cathay Pacific considers cramming more seats into economy class long-haul flights

Cathay Pacific Airways has raised the possibility of sacrificing seat width by squeezing more people into economy class on its long-haul flights, after surveying passengers' views on the idea.

Hong Kong's biggest airline is flirting with a scheme that could affect the Boeing 777 fleet, but travellers in return could benefit from cheaper airfares or better food, free Wi-fi or enhanced in-flight entertainment. The move could add up to 17 seats.

Nearly 70 per cent of 777 operators - more than 80 airlines operating 600 of the jets - have opted for the higher density economy layout, but Cathay Pacific is in an ever smaller minority favouring nine seats in a row.

On the Hong Kong-Vancouver route, Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777 can carry up to 275 passengers, but Air Canada fits 458 passengers into the same make.

A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman said the airline periodically conducted research "to understand the trend and development of the airline industry and passengers' ever changing needs and preferences".