Iberia has unveiled its new premium economy cabin, to be available on 37 of its long-haul aircraft, starting during the summer season of 2017.

The new cabin will be installed on eight Airbus A330-300s and 13 of the airline’s A340-600s, to be modified in the course of the next two years, and will come factory-equipped with it in the 16 new A350-900s to be delivered starting in 2018.

Seats in the new cabin will be 19” wide, and distance between rows will be extended to 37”.

Seats will recline by an additional 40 per cent over those on the economy cabin.

Customers flying in premium economy class will also enjoy the adjustable head and foot rests, noise-cancelling earphones, and an exclusive amenities kit.

They will have full access to the entertainment programme via 13-inch display screens, instead of the nine-inch screens in economy class.

In addition, premium economy passengers will have priority in boarding and leaving the aircraft, an extra suitcase allowance, upgraded dining options, and other privileges.

Iberia executive chairman Luis Gallego explained: “Premium Economy is an initiative included in our Plan de Futuro aimed at increasing revenues.

“It will give Economy passengers an additional option for greater comfort and extra services on long flights.”
Iberia is Spain’s largest airline and leader on routes between Europe and Latin America.

Along with its budget unit Iberia Express and its franchise partner Iberia Regional Air Nostrum, it operates some 600 flights a day to about 50 destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with a fleet of 134 aircraft.