Eurowings has chosen to expand its Premium BIZ offering, with more aircraft being fitted with the 2-2 seating.
The seats (based on Geven Seating’s Comodo seat) will see a further deployment onto eight Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Instead of the usual six abreast (3-3 style seating configuration), Eurowings is introducing a more spacious four across (2-2 layout) in the first two rows, featuring eight premium seats.
What had previously been reserved for long-haul passengers on scheduled services on wide-body aircraft is now being introduced on smaller so-called “narrowbody” jets such as the Airbus A320neo. Eurowings primarily deploys the A320neo on longer medium-haul routes with flight times of roughly three to six hours.
Premium BIZ was initially introduced on the Berlin-Dubai route, followed by the test deployment of a second aircraft on additional routes. Eurowings has gathered extensive customer feedback on the Premium BIZ seat. The response has been overwhelmingly positive according to Eurowings, with travellers particularly appreciating the personal space, increased privacy, and the enhanced service concept, which has driven the rollout.
As well as the hard product, the onboard product and service upgrade includes an adjustable footrest, USB charging ports, pillows, blankets, and an amenity kit, as well as a premium in-flight service featuring an aperitif, a hot meal served on porcelain, and an expanded beverage selection.
In addition to longer medium-haul flights, this is likely to include connections to business hubs such as London, as well as vacation destinations with high premium demand, such as Mallorca and the Canary Islands.
The final network and fleet planning is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
In Quotes
Max Kownatzki, CEO of Eurowings, said
“We are boldly changing an industry standard because our guests’ expectations are changing as well,”
“The success of our market tests made it clear within just a few months that many passengers on longer flights want a bit more space and affordable comfort. With the introduction of the Premium BIZ seat, we are emphasizing our role as Europe’s value airline, offering good service at fair prices across all fare categories.”
Beyond Eurobusiness.
It’s an interesting development for Eurowings, who have chosen to deploy “real” business class seats on medium-haul services (which is a rare sight amongst a lot of European airlines, given the love of “adjustable capacity EuroBusiness” which the major carriers (including Eurowings owner, Lufthansa) have long gone down the path of.
With the A320neo missions capable of the longer missions, passenger comfort is something that can’t be overlooked – even on low-cost carriers.
With eight aircraft isn’t a lot in fleet terms (especially in the eyes of Lufthansa Group), but it represents an extension of an experiment to see if they can constantly fill those seats, and if it’s worth bringing more of these seats to other Lufthansa Group in the future…
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