Closing the Gap: Saudia Unveils First-Ever Premium Economy Cabin at WTM London 2026
Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has presented its new Premium Economy Class seat at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026. The new cabin offering is part of the airline’s ongoing fleet modernization and cabin refurbishment program under the ‘New Saudia Experience’ initiative.
Positioned between Economy and Business Class, the new Premium Economy cabin will offer guests additional comfort, space and privacy. The seat features a pitch of up to 43 inches, a 15.5-inch entertainment screen, an extendable calf rest, enhanced privacy and additional personal storage.
Guests are expected to experience Saudia’s new Premium Economy cabin aboard newly delivered Boeing 787 aircraft in 2027. The cabin will also be introduced across selected aircraft in its existing Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 fleets as part of a phased retrofit program.
Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, said: “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.”
Alongside the Premium Economy unveiling, Saudia also showcased its latest Business Class offering aboard the Airbus A321XLR, which joined its fleet earlier this year. Saudia is the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to operate the aircraft type, featuring 24 Business Class suites with fully flat beds and direct aisle access, alongside 120 Economy Class seats. The airline also presented a selection of onboard amenities and hospitality offerings across its travel classes, including amenity kits and dining service ware.
