A new premium economy product is coming to the Swiss long-haul fleet. The carrier announced the new cabin – including increased space, baggage allowance, and other benefits – with plans to equip the 777-300ER fleet in the months ahead.
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. And by introducing our new class of travel, we are also further strengthening our premium positioning in the growing leisure travel segment.
– SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx
The new Premium Economy Class will be gradually installed aboard SWISS’s 12 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from the fourth quarter of this year. The entire SWISS Boeing 777-300ER fleet will feature the new Premium Economy Class cabin by the start of the 2022 summer schedules. In line with general market pricing, the one-way fare for the new Premium Economy Class will be around CHF 250 to 350 higher than its Economy Class equivalent.
More spacious seating
The carrier chose ZIM’s premium economy seats for its fleet, with plans to install 24 on board. The seats are 19″ wide and offer 39″ pitch.
The fixed shell design ensures that the increased recline does not encroach on the row behind while the integrated leg rest adds additional comfort.
Passengers will also receive an amenity kit in the premium economy cabin.
Upgraded in-flight Entertainment
The new Swiss premium economy cabin offers a 15.6″ in-flight entertainment screen on board. Passengers in the premium economy cabin will also receive noise-reduction headphones to use during the flight.
Swiss also highlights the availability of USB-A power for passengers, though not a standard 110V outlet.
The premium economy fare also includes the option for passengers to download two publications from the extensive eJournals portal onto their digital device free of charge ahead of their flight
Enhanced dining experience
Upon boarding passengers will also be treated to a refreshing elderberry pre-departure drink.
And for the main meal passengers will have a choice of dining options, served on real dishes.
The selection includes a dish from the award-winning ‘SWISS Taste of Switzerland’ inflight culinary program, as well as a vegetarian option supplied by Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
Premium ground services
Priority boarding is Included in the Swiss premium economy fare. Additional benefits, such as lounge access, are not. The carrier is, however, offering reduced-rate access to the SWISS Business Lounges at Zurich and Geneva airports and the SWISS Arrival Lounge at Zurich Airport.
SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Tamur Goudarzi Pour describes the new Premium Economy Class as “tailor-made for our previous Economy Class customers who are looking to enhance their air travel experience and enjoy the benefits associated with higher travel classes.” Given the full suite on offer, and in comparison to other premium economy products, Pour sees the Swiss play “very clearly positioned as a top travel product.”
While the full fleet is not expected to carry the new cabin until Spring 2022 the carrier may choose to dedicate some fitted planes on specific routes sooner than that. Where feasible this presents an advantage to the company, selling the product at closer to its real value and helping assure passengers of the improved experience on board.
Where it is not available to purchase in advance, however, the company will still try to monetize the premium economy cabin. Swiss intends to offer upgrades for a fee during the introductory phase.
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