Lufthansa has announced that, commencing this October, Premium Economy Class will be fitted to all its long-haul fleet. The new seat will have a 96.5cm (38″) seat pitch, providing up to 50% extra leg room, and an industry best angle of recline at 130 degrees. Another benefit is that passengers will be allowed to check-in two bags up to 23kg each free of charge. They will also enjoy a larger 28cm (11″) or 30.5cm (12″) monitor for inflight entertainment and an amenity kit.
The new class is part of a €3 billion investment by Lufthansa in cabin and lounge improvements by the end of 2015. The first aircraft fitted with the new Premium Economy will be in service in October, with all 106 long-haul aircraft being equipped by the end of 2015. In total 3,600 seats will be available with between 21 and 52 on each aircraft, depending on the aircraft type and configuration.
Christian Schindler, General Manager – UK and Ireland, told Irish Travel Trade News that the Premium Economy Class is intended for the business traveller who is not now allowed to fly Business Class on long-haul but who still needs both the space and the privacy to work.
It is also aimed at the leisure traveller who is not prepared to pay for Business Class but who still wants the extra space to relax and sees the flight as part of a good holiday experience.
Lufthansa is offering special introductory Premium Economy return fares for Irish passengers travelling from Dublin who book between now and 7th October who wish to travel between 10th December 2014 and 31st August 2015. These include Bangalore and Singapore €1,241, Hong Kong €1,277 and Beijing €1,286.
