Following in the footsteps of many airlines, Iberia is now launching an intermediate Premium Economy class, called Turista Premium. Luis Gallego, Executive Chairman of Iberia, explains that this launch is part of "the company's Plan Futuro aimed at increasing revenues, while offering passengers a new option with greater comfort and enhanced services on long-haul flights".
The new seats, whose backrests will offer a 40% recline greater than in economy class, will be 48 cm wide, with a space between rows of 94 cm. Other benefits include adjustable headrests and footrests, ample storage space, noise-cancelling headphones and a comfort kit. In terms of technology, these seats feature an individual 12-inch screen and wifi, electric and USB connectivity for recharging mobile equipment and reading or listening to their content. In terms of services, passengers will benefit from priority boarding at check-in, as well as top-quality catering.
The cabin will be introduced next summer on eight Airbus A330-300s and 13 A340-600s, and with the arrival of 16 new Airbus A350-900s in the Iberia fleet from 2018, Premium Economy will be installed on a total of 37 long-haul aircraft. The first to benefit will be passengers flying from Madrid to Chicago in the United States and to Buenos Aires, Bogotá and Lima in Latin America. Iberia will thus be the only airline "to offer this intermediate class on direct flights between Spain and Latin America, which will strengthen its leading position in this market", according to Marco Sansavini, the airline's Commercial Director.
