From the fourth quarter of 2021, twelve Boeing 777-300ERs from Swiss will be successively equipped with the new premium economy class. This product is to be offered on the entire long-haul fleet by the start of the summer flight schedule in 2022. In terms of price, the new class will be around 250 to 350 francs higher than the economy class.
“We are pleased to be able to meet the growing need for more privacy, comfort and individuality with the introduction of Premium Economy Class. In addition, with this new offer we are strengthening our premium positioning in the growing leisure travel sector, ”explains Swiss boss Dieter Vranckx.
For each Boeing 777-300ER, Swiss will offer 24 premium economy seats of the new generation of seats from the manufacturer ZIM. The seat is integrated into a hard shell and can be easily adjusted without affecting fellow passengers in the row behind it. Compared to Economy Class, the seat is wider: Instead of 43,4 cm, the width is between 46 and 48 cm. The seat spacing is 99 cm instead of 78,7 cm, which significantly increases legroom. The new Premium Economy seat can also be leaned back further. It is also equipped with a fold-out leg support. The seat covers are produced by the Bern-based company Lantal. For more comfort, Premium Economy Class passengers also receive a travel toiletry bag made from sustainable materials. You also get high-quality, noise-reducing headphones that further enhance the movie or music experience on the 15,6-inch monitor. Personal reading lamps provide light on night flights, electronic devices can be charged at the seat using their own USB-A connection.
“Premium Economy Class is predestined for previous Economy Class passengers who want to upgrade their travel experience and benefit from the amenities familiar from higher travel classes. In an international comparison of the competition, Swiss Premium Economy is clearly positioned as a top product, ”says Tamur Goudarzi Pour, Swiss Chief Commercial Officer.
The culinary offer is also specially tailored to the new travel class. Passengers receive a refreshing welcome drink made from elderberries and can choose from a selection of three warm dishes, which are served on chinaware. This includes a menu inspired by the award-winning Swiss Taste of Switzerland concept, as well as a vegetarian option created by Hiltl, the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant. Goudarzi Pour: “Our passengers can choose the catering on board according to their individual preferences. In the increasingly popular vegetarian sector, we can count on our long-term partnership with Hiltl. "
Double the baggage allowance and preferred boarding
Premium Economy Class passengers also enjoy a significantly improved travel experience on the ground. With two pieces of baggage weighing 23 kg each, you have twice as much free baggage allowance as in Economy Class. They also benefit from reduced admission to the SWISS Business Lounges at the airports in Zurich and Geneva and to the SWISS Arrival Lounge at Zurich Airport. You can get on board before the Economy Class passengers and you also have the option of downloading two issues from the extensive eJournals portal onto your own digital device free of charge before departure.
Bookable now for trips from April 2022 The new Premium Economy Class will be gradually installed in the Boeing 2021-777ER aircraft from the fourth quarter of 300. It can be booked from June 28 for trips from April 2022 on the entire route network of the Boeing 777-300ER. The destinations served by Swiss with this type of aircraft include Bangkok, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, São Paulo and Singapore. Depending on the development of the pandemic situation, earlier regular operation is also possible on individual routes. During the introductory phase, upgrade options will be offered for a fee if available.