12 inches - Bigger the Better?

New Economy screens

Do you see what I see?

Yes those are humongous IFE screens, 12.1 inches to be exact, with new control handsets beneath. 

Emirates have installed these on the Economy seats of their new B777s and new A380s from next year.

The current screens are just 10.9 inches, 0.3 more than other airlines'. 

Current Economy screens

Not only will IFE screens get bigger across all three classes, they will also feature HD resolution, with content increasing from 1200 to 1300 choices. A new interface system developed by Panasonic and Emirates will also make navigation easier.

New Business Class screens

New Business Class screens will increase to 20 inches, and First Class seats will feature 27-inch screens.

Emirates' ICE system is still the world's best inflight entertainment system, but the same cannot be said for its onboard service, which is often hit-or-miss, or at times simply unacceptable. 

Do note that the economy class layout on their B777-300ERs is 3-4-3 or 10 in a row, can be quite a squeeze if the flight is full. Other airlines using the same aircraft typically install only 9 seats or 3-3-3 per row.

Emirates B773ER's 3-4-3 layout 

While some continuously upgrade their IFE hardware, others like Cathay Pacific recently said it has plans to remove IFE systems to save one or two tonnes of weight per plane. Instead, it would install power sockets at every seat so passengers could plug in their tablets. 

Cathay Pacific's new Economy seats with 9-inch (only) screens

For LCCs like Scoot, this concept is a no-brainer. But for premium carriers such as Cathay, it seems odd that they are even considering scrimping on passenger experience and comfort, given the state of competition and yes, high fuel prices.

Emirates president Tim Rice once said airlines that don't offer IFE "are fools". 

Oh one disadvantage I foresee from the big screens is that, the flickering "light" from your neighbouring screens could be a nuisance if you're trying to sleep on an overnight flight. Then again there's always the complimentary eye-shade.

HUGE s-q-u-e-e-z-e on Scoot

update at 10am Jun 5: TZ2 touched down in Sydney to a water canon salute, arrival delayed by 100 minutes thanks to last night's technical.

update at 1.16am Jun 5: Aircraft is back on runway and ready to Scoot!


update at 12:22am Jun 5: TZ2 back to gate, pilot cites maintenance issue. Hope it won't be a long night for everyone.


update at 11:44pm - TZ2 has pushed back and is on its way. Here's a collection of "live" twitter pics taken onboard the flight.

This post is being "lived" as the inaugural Scoot flight TZ2 prepares for take off from Changi to Sydney. I cannot say it heralds in a new era of budget travelling, because Jetstar clinched the frontrunner position when they launched flights between Singapore and Melbourne in 2010, followed by Auckland and Beijing.

However, Scoot's selling point has been CHEAP and they play the numbers game well. They promise $158 all-in one-way fares to Australia all year round, and it is indeed significantly cheaper than full service carriers, if you stick to these basic fares without add-ons. 

We all know they use B772s from SIA, have 10-abreast seating in Economy class, and an all-inclusive ScootBiz. Here are the pictures released this morning.

ScootBiz (2-4-2, 38" legroom)

Scoot Economy stretch (front section of cabin, 3-4-3, 35" legroom)

Scoot Economy (3-4-3, 31" legroom)

Major difference (other than the obvious legroom) between ScootBiz and rest of the cabin - one seat less per row and no adjustable head rest on economy seats.

Do note that most full service carriers install only 3-3-3 or 9 seats per row on their B777s, Scoot's 10-abreast economy cabin means everyone will be in for a good squeeze should the flight runs above 80% load. Emirates is the only other carrier that has 10 seats each row, and you really don't want that when you're paying "full" fares.

Also, the absence of winglets may cause significant discomfort if you're on the seat for 4 hours and above, I feel.

I also noticed there's no leg rest (not foot rest) on ScootBiz seats, which I think should be a basic component on any seat that calls itself  "Biz".

Jetstar's A330 Business Class (2-3-2, 38" legroom)

Economy (2-4-2, 31" legroom)

I've travelled on Jetstar's A332 Economy and the seats are frankly pretty comfortable, with really good recline and the 31" legroom-also on Scoot Economy-seemed decent too. Also, the 2-4-2 or 8-abreast seating is in line with the configuration of full service carriers using the A330, including SIA.

Just by looking at stats and pictures, Jetstar's comfort level seems alot higher (in both classes), but Scoot has emphasized from the start that its target market "wants value...they just want to get from A to B in many aspects", so it is only right they draw a clear line somewhere, and offer the best value product significantly different from its parent.

AirAsia X's A330 Premium cabin (2-2-2, angled lie-flat seat)

Economy class (3-3-3, 31" legroom)

I have tried both classes and I can only say AirAsia X is a great way to fly, especially the lie-flat Premium seat, if the price is right (to offset the troublesome transit). Until either Scoot or Jetstar starts flights to Seoul, I may still be tempted if the fare is super low, say S$150 one-way all-in from KL. 

With low margins and high fuel prices, you wonder how long these long haul budget flights will last, so I say enjoy while the fun lasts.