How is Etihad Airways preparing for premium economy?

Etihad is retrofitting its Airbus A380 aircraft to enhance its economy class offering. The redesign will add legroom and increase the premium segment of its coach class, known as Economy Space. The offering makes Etihad the first mover in this space among Middle East carriers.

What is premium economy?

Budget cabins are increasingly cramped as air passenger growth soars and airlines seek to maximise revenues. Business class is becoming more luxurious and expensive. The dynamics have prompted demand for an in-between option without prohibitive pricing.

What will Etihad’s seats look like?

Etihad said by next month it would fit 10 A380s with “Economy Space” seats, featuring an increased seat pitch of up to 91 centimetres. The reconfigured cabin increases the number of extra-legroom seats from 20 to 80 on the superjumbo. Etihad will also add economy space seats to 12 Boeing 777s and 21 Dreamliners by the end of 2019, increasing the number of extra legroom seats by 560 per cent.

How expensive are they? Etihad has not disclosed the fares for its new seats, but premium economy on other international airlines is typically 65 per cent more than regular economy. It can be up to 35 per cent less if booked close to departure date, according to aviation website Seatguru.com.

How do the seats compare to other premium offerings? Compared to standard economy, premium economy provides 12-17cm inches of extra legroom, and extra amenities including 2.5-5cm of seat width, 5-7.5cm extra inches of seat recline; adjustable headrests; leg rests or lumbar support; larger TV screens; laptop power ports and a premium food service.

Which other airlines offer premium economy in the Middle East?

Emirates said it would introduce premium economy from 2020, but no GCC airline yet offers such a product. British Airways launched premium economy on its Dubai to London route last year, with prices about 40 per cent higher. Globally, about 20 airlines offer premium economy seats, according to SkyTrax, which ranks airlines. Air New Zealand’s premium economy class is ranked No 1 ahead of Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and Air France-KLM.