Lufthansa unveils premium economy seat

Lufthansa has revealed its premium economy offering, its first new cabin in 35 years.

Its new premium economy seat has 50% more leg room than those in economy and is currently being fitted on the first Boeing 748 aircraft before rolling out across its 100 long-haul aircraft of B748s, B744s as well as Airbus 330s, 340s and 380s.

Speaking at the launch in London today, Annette Mann, Lufthansa’s director launch management premium economy said: “This is more than just a seat, it’s a full package. The premium economy seat also includes an 153-degree recline; two pieces of 23kg luggage; an amenity bag; welcome drink; bottle of water and food menu, with meals served on crockery and glass.”

Its pricing structure has been based on what the German airline feels its economy customers would be willing to pay for the extras. Starting costs from London to Bangalore, the first route to have the new service, will be GBP719, starting in early December.

Lufthansa has left it later to introduce the new cabin compared to other airlines and had looked at it in 2005 and 2009 before eventually rolling it out now.

Christian Schindler, general manager UK & Ireland told Travel Daily: “The new class has been added so we can offer something in between the flat-bed product in business class and economy, which sometimes isn’t enough for people. It was the right time to introduce this.”

As well as Bangalore the seats will also first be available from Germany to destinations including Chicago, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Haneda and Hong Kong. Its entire long-haul fleet will be refitted by October 2015.

“We wanted to ensure the premium economy seat was on all long-haul flights so it’s simple for customers to know it will be there,” explained Mann. “It is not just for business or leisure passengers but anyone who wants more comfort.”

Florian Astor, director business optimisation & marketing Europe added: “Feedback and sales we’ve seen have shown this has been well received and appreciated.”