Gallery: An Exclusive Look at SWISS’s New Premium Economy Class

SWISS’s new Premium Economy Class Seat, produced by German manufacturer ZIM, was unveiled at Zurich Airport’s SWISS Business Class Lounge, which is currently closed. Pictured, SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx introduces the new seat.

SWISS flight attendants unveil the new Premium Economy Class product. The entire SWISS Boeing 777-300ER fleet will feature the new cabin by the start of the 2022 summer schedule.

The new Premium Economy Class will be gradually installed aboard SWISS’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from the 2021 fourth quarter. The new class is bookable through April 2022 on the entire Boeing 777-300ER route network.

In line with general market pricing, the one-way fare for the new Premium Economy Class will be around CHF250 to CHF350 ($272-$380) higher than its Economy Class equivalent, SWISS CCO Tamur Goudarzi Pour said. “Space and well-being will be an ongoing trend. In international comparison terms, our SWISS Premium Economy Class is very clearly positioned as a top travel product.”

Destinations served by SWISS with this aircraft type include Bangkok, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, São Paulo or Singapore. During the introductory phase, upgrade options are offered for a fee, subject to availability.

SWISS will reconfigure its first Boeing 777 in mid-October. By the end of March 2022, all 12 aircraft should offer the new Premium Economy Class. The future seat capacity of the SWISS 777 fleet comprises 320 seats (8 First/62 Business/24 Premium Economy/226 Economy classes).

Pictured are SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx and SWISS CCO Tamur Goudarzi Pour in the new ZIM Premium Economy Seat. Vranckx said, “For us Premium Economy Class is very important, because leisure traffic will grow and will play an important role, and our aim is to be premium. And this fits perfectly in our portfolio. Both managers are confident that the product will be a success. SWISS became the last Lufthansa Group carrier in install Premium Economy Class beside Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines.

SWISS CCO Tamur Goudarzi Pour explains some features of the new Premium Economy product, which include a 24-seat 2-4-2 cabin configuration on board the Switzerland flag carrier’s Boeing 777 fleet. The new seat is wider than an Economy Class seat, between 46 (18 in.) and 48 cm, compared to 43.4 cm. Also, seat pitch has been extended from the 78.7 cm in Economy Class to 99 cm, for substantially more legroom.

The ZIM-manufactured seat is simple to recline and is integrated into a fixed backshell to ensure zero intrusion into the personal space of the passenger behind. The seat covers were produced by Lantal of Bern, Switzerland. SWISS Premium Economy travelers will be issued a complimentary amenity kit manufactured with sustainable materials.

Passengers will also receive high-quality noise-reducing headphones that will further enhance the movie or music experience offered via the seat’s 15.6-in. inflight entertainment (IFE) monitor. Personal reading lamps are available and electronic devices can be charged using the seat’s built-in USB-A socket.

SWISS’s inflight cuisine has also been specially tailored to the new class of travel. Premium Economy travelers will be offered an elderberry welcome drink and will be able to choose from three hot meals, all served on china tableware.