Premium Flying

The premium economy cabin was pioneered in the early 1990s and is believed to be one of the major innovations in the airline industry. The product, which was introduced to bridge the widening gap between economy and business class offerings, is now the preferred option for many Indian passengers providing them with maximum comfort and convenience at prices comparatively closer to economy class.

- Nisha Shroff

THE GROWING DEMAND FROM GLOBAL PLAYERS

Over the last couple of years, the popularity of premium economy has not only increased, but the willingness to invest in a good travel experience has also grown significantly, states Anand Yedery, regional head of marketing and sales, SAMEA, Cathay Pacific, the airline that introduced premium economy on its network in 2012 and reintroduced the cabin in India in 2017.

He says, “The product offers the customers with an upgraded travel experience in terms of improved seats, enhanced services, and amenities as compared to economy class. With the increase in awareness of the premium economy product, passengers are more than willing to pay a premium for these services that provide them with a more comfortable and convenient experience both onboard and on ground.”

The increasing popularity of premium economy cabins is catering to two distinct segments — travellers who choose to upgrade their class of travel from economy to premium, in many cases the aspirational travellers, and another emerging segment of premium travellers who are choosing to downgrade from business to premium, to save costs and still enjoy relatively premium services.