Back in January, we published an article on how global commercial aviation appears to be shifting from the low-cost operating model as full-service airlines ramped up their offerings for business and first class.

But, of late, the evolution of premium economy is what we’ve been keeping an eye on: the once ambiguous zone between coach and business class is proving itself a profitable niche in its own right.

This particular profit centre for today’s airlines has been buoyed up by a significant increase in travellers who are more than willing to pay a little extra for a more comfortable flying experience. 

Indeed, industry watchers point out that premium economy is now the fastest-growing cabin class in commercial aviation and airlines are expanding premium economy capacities by up to 50 percent. 

This is not to say, of course, that premium economy is just economy class with extras; in reality, it’s actually more like business class lite.

Major trends in the premium economy class

More privacy and comfortable seating, especially on longer flights, are among the top reasons why travellers would book a seat in premium economy.

Indeed, many full-service carriers have begun to incorporate amenities like privacy dividers, wireless charging, and large 4K OLED screens with standard Bluetooth pairing. 

Today’s premium economy seats typically feature a pitch of 36 to 38 inches and an average width between 19 and 21 inches.

Also, airlines that first balked at offering premium economy options have been retrofitting their existing planes with specific sections for the class.

Emirates, for example, has since rolled out a specific premium economy cabin across more long-haul routes; while carriers like flydubai are introducing it for the first time.

It should also be noted that premium economy isn’t just available on widebody aircraft; some airlines have begun to offer the option aboard more recent narrowbody models like the Airbus A321XLR, significantly improving the long-haul experience for passengers.

What premium economy means for airline profitability

Particularly among European airlines like Lufthansa, the premium economy sector generates around 33 percent more revenue than standard economy.

It is interesting to note at this point that premium economy has surged ahead of standard economy in terms of growth, having grown by eight percent since 2022, while the latter has grown only by 5.9 percent.

It is possible, especially now that we have come to the midpoint of 2026, that 2027 will prove to be a boom-time for the premium economy class.

In the coming year, Thai Airways intends to roll out a premium economy aboard its current Boeing 777-300ERs, as well as its incoming 787-9s planes.

LATAM Airlines is retrofitting its 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft with premium economy cabins, also by next year; and German leisure carrier Discover Airlines will be introducing its Ocean Blue class on its A330 widebodies.

Of course, adding premium economy to an aircraft means cutting down somewhere, and it usually means snipping about 40 percent off first class seating in most cases.

Still, one thing is certain: premium economy is here for the long haul and passengers are ready to book a seat.