A European airline is offering premium economy for the first time in its history as demand for the cabin continues to soar meet Vector
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat.Finnair
- Finland's flag carrier Finnair recently unveiled its first-ever premium economy seat to meet soaring demand.
- Unlike Finnair's business class, the premium seats offer an eight-inch recline that creates a 60-degree resting angle.
Premium economy has never been more popular.
Air France premium economy. Air France
During the pandemic, demand for premium seats has soared, with airlines like Delta and United saying the number of passengers flying in the cabin in 2021 exceeded 2019 levels.
United Airlines Premium Plus cabin. United Airlines
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
"I think the big epiphany for us was there's a much broader demand for this [premium economy] than just business travelers," Delta president Glen Haustein said in the company's quarter three earnings call.
Delta premium select. Delta Air Lines
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
The reason for the spike is, in part, due to lower fares.
Cathay Pacific premium economy line at Hong Kong International Airport. Sorbis/Shutterstock
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
According to data from Expedia, premium tickets cost 290% more than regular economy fares in 2021.
Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 premium economy. Joel Whalton/Shutterstock
Source: Expedia
While that may seem like a jump, it is significantly less than 2020 and 2019, which saw 365% and 430% more expensive premium fares, respectively. Moreover, 26% of Americans said they will upgrade if they can afford it.
Singapore Airlines A350 premium economy. Christian Heinz/Shutterstock
Source: Expedia
Another factor was space. President of the Crystal Cabin Award Association, Lukas Kaestner, said travelers upgraded to the larger seats for social distancing during the pandemic.
French bee premium economy. Taylor Rains/Insider
Source: Condé Nast Traveler
The premium seat has gotten so popular that Lufthansa has overhauled its old cabin with all-new ZIMprivacy recliners.
Lufthansa old premium economy. Sorbis/Shutterstock
The new seats feature about 39 inches of pitch, 18-19 inches of width, a fold-out leg rest, large inflight entertainment screens, a USB port, and a reading lamp.
The Lufthansa Groups' ZIMprivacy premium economy seats. The Lufthansa Group
Source: Insider
According to Bloomberg, the German carrier's premium seats are 40% more profitable per square foot than business class. Moreover, Lufthansa told SimpleFlying that its premium cabin is its most profitable product.
Lufthansa premium economy. Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
Source: Bloomberg, Simple Flying
Finnish national carrier Finnair has taken notice of the popularity and success of premium cabins and has decided to create one of its own.
Finnair. Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
Throughout its nearly 100-year history, Finnair has never offered premium economy on its aircraft.
Finnair economy class cabin. Finnair
Source: Finnair
Instead, the airline has stuck to a black and white model with just regular economy and business class across its fleet of regional and mainline jets. But, that is changing with the introduction of Vector.
Finnair's new AirLounge business class seat. Finnair
Source: Finnair
In early February, Finnair announced it is configuring its Airbus A330 and A350 widebody jets with a new, modern premium seat for long-haul flights to Asia and North America starting in spring 2022.
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Source: Finnair
"The investment has been an easy decision for us," Finnair CEO Topi Manner told Bloomberg. "Premium economy is the most profitable real estate on the aircraft, and the pandemic is reinforcing that."
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Source: Bloomberg
The new product, called Vector, is made by HAECO Cabin Solutions and offers customers more choice and comfort on long journeys. According to Finnair, the seat offers 50% more space than economy.
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Vector was designed to be light and comfortable, offering memory foam cushions with 38 inches of pitch, eight inches of recline, and a full leg rest that creates a 60-degree resting angle.
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Source: HAECO
The seat also features a personal reading light, a cocktail counter, and a meal table…
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Source: Finnair
…several storage areas for electronics and other personal items...
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Source: Finnair
…and a 13-inch inflight entertainment screen.
Finnair new Vector premium economy seat. Finnair
Source: Finnair
Those traveling in premium economy will be treated to extra luxuries, like an improved amenity kit designed by Finnish company Marimekko…
Finnair premium economy amenity kit. Finnair
Source: Finnair
…and two meal services, including a three-course meal served on chinaware and a light second dish or snack before arrival.
Finnair premium economy meal. Finnair
Source: Finnair
Finnair is not the only airline to overhaul its premium cabin. Dubai-based Emirates unveiled its first-ever premium economy cabin at the end of 2021.
Emirates premium economy. Emirates
The impressive seat features 40 inches of pitch, a leg rest, a coat hook, TV screens, charging ports, and a drink counter.
Emirates premium economy. Emirates
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