Swiss has unveiled new premium economy class, which will supplement its existing economy, business and first classes of travel from the fourth quarter of this year.

The airline says that premium economy class travellers will enjoy “greater privacy” and enhanced inflight comfort, a major contributor to which will be the newly developed fixed-backshell seat. Premium economy customers will also be offered a wide range of inflight cuisine, along with double the economy class registered baggage allowance and priority boarding.

The new premium economy class cabin will gradually be installed aboard all 12 of Swiss’ long-haul Boeing 777-300ERs.

“We are delighted that, in introducing our new Premium Economy Class, we are meeting our customers’ growing demand for more privacy, more comfort and more individuality,” said Swiss CEO Dieter Vranckx. “And by introducing our new class of travel, we are also further strengthening our premium positioning in the growing leisure travel segment.”

The new Premium Economy Class will be gradually installed aboard Swiss’ 12 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from the fourth quarter of this year. The entire Swiss Boeing 777-300ER fleet will feature the new premium economy class cabin by the start of the 2022 summer schedules.

Each aircraft will be equipped with 24 latest-generation premium economy Class seats from seat manufacturer ZIM. It claims that the comfortable 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 new seat is wider than an economy class seat, too: between 46 and 48 centimetres, compared to 43.4. And seat pitch has been extended from the 78.7 centimetres of economy class to 99 centimetres. It is also additionally equipped with a fold-out leg rest. The seat’s covers have been produced by Lantal of Bern, Switzerland.

Travellers will also be issued with a complimentary amenity kit that is specifically manufactured using sustainable materials. They will also receive their own high-quality noise-reducing headphones that will further enhance the film or the music experience offered via the seat’s 15.6-inch inflight entertainment monitor. Personal reading lamps will provide suitable lighting on night-flight services; and electronic devices can be charged using the seat’s in-built USB-A socket.

Swiss’ chief commercial officer Tamur Goudarzi Pour added: “Our new premium economy class is tailor-made for our previous economy class customers who are looking to enhance their air travel experience and enjoy the benefits associated with higher travel classes. In international comparison terms, our Swiss premium economy class is very clearly positioned as a top travel product.”

Swiss’s inflight cuisine has also been “specially tailored” to the new class of travel. Premium economy travellers will be offered an elderberry welcome drink, and will be able to choose from three hot meals all served on china tableware. The selection here will include a dish from the ‘Taste of Switzerland’ inflight culinary programme, together with a vegetarian option supplied by Hiltl..