Saudia has presented a new premium economy cabin at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, adding a new class between economy and business as part of its fleet modernisation and interior refurbishment programme.
The Saudi Arabian carrier said the product forms part of its “New Saudia Experience” initiative. The seat is designed around additional personal space and privacy, with a pitch of up to 43 inches, a 15.5-inch entertainment screen, an extendable calf rest and extra storage for passengers.
Phased introduction across the fleet
Passengers are expected to see the new cabin first on newly delivered Boeing 787 aircraft from 2027. Saudia also plans to install the product progressively on selected aircraft already operating in its fleet. The airline has not set out which routes will receive the refurbished cabin first.
| Aircraft group | Planned premium economy deployment |
|---|---|
| New Boeing 787 aircraft | Expected from 2027 |
| Existing Airbus A330 fleet | Selected aircraft through phased retrofit |
| Existing Boeing 777 fleet | Selected aircraft through phased retrofit |
| Existing Boeing 787 fleet | Selected aircraft through phased retrofit |
The proposed cabin includes several features intended to distinguish it from Saudia’s economy seating:
- Up to 43 inches of seat pitch
- A 15.5-inch in-flight entertainment display
- An extendable calf rest
- Additional personal storage and increased privacy
Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, said the new class was intended to broaden the choice available to passengers while supporting the airline’s wider onboard product changes.
“The introduction of Premium Economy marks another step in enhancing the choices and comfort available to our guests. As part of the ‘New Saudia Experience’, we continue to invest in our onboard products and services to deliver a more comfortable and seamless journey. World Travel Market London provides an opportunity to present these developments to our international partners and demonstrate the progress being made across our guest experience.”
Additional A321XLR product displayed
Alongside the premium economy announcement, Saudia presented its business-class offering on the Airbus A321XLR, which joined the fleet earlier in 2026. The aircraft has 24 business-class suites with fully flat beds and direct aisle access, together with 120 economy-class seats.
Saudia also displayed amenity kits, dining service ware and other hospitality products for its different travel classes at WTM London. The premium economy project is therefore part of a broader programme covering aircraft interiors and onboard services, rather than a standalone seat introduction.
