SWISS Previews New Premium Economy Class
The new cabin, featuring more spacious seating and services upgrades, will be available aboard the entire 777-300ER fleet by summer of 2022
Switzerland’s flag carrier SWISS Air Lines is introducing a new premium economy class cabin. Starting in the fourth quarter of this year, the airline will being gradually installing the new seating aboard all 12 of its flagship long-haul Boeing 777-300ERs, and the entire fleet will feature the new cabin by the start of the 2022 summer schedules.
Each aircraft will feature 24 latest-generation premium economy seats from seat manufacturer ZIM. The seat reclines easily and is integrated into a fixed backshell to ensure zero intrusion into the personal space of the passenger behind.
The seat width is between 18 and 19 inches, compared to 17 inch seats found in economy class. Seat pitch is 39 inches, which translates into substantially more legroom, and the seat is also equipped with a fold-out leg rest.
Each premium economy seat has a 15.6-inch inflight entertainment monitor, which customers can enjoy via the high-quality noise-reducing headphones. Lantal of Bern produces the upholstery for the seating, and the complimentary amenity kits are manufactured using sustainable materials.
SWISS premium economy fares include a baggage allowance of two bags of up to 50 pounds each, twice that of economy class, reduced-rate access to the SWISS Business Lounges at Zurich and Geneva airports and the SWISS Arrival Lounge at Zurich Airport and priority boarding.
The new class is available for booking now for travel beginning in April 2022 on the entire Boeing 777-300ER route network, which includes Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Bangkok, Hong Kong, São Paulo and Singapore.
The carrier, which is part of the Lufthansa Group, has already announced an ambitious expansion of its routes in anticipation of an uptick in international passengers, as travel restrictions ease in Europe.
Depending on the status of the pandemic, the airline says the premium economy class may be available sooner as a standard product on some of these routes. During the introductory phase, upgrade options are offered for a fee, subject to availability.
“We are delighted that, in introducing our new Premium Economy Class, we are meeting our customers’ growing demand for more privacy, more comfort and more individuality,” said SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “And by introducing our new class of travel, we are also further strengthening our premium positioning in the growing leisure travel segment.”
