Delta: New international premium economy cabin coming next year

Delta Air Lines will add an upgraded premium-economy cabin to its long-haul international flights beginning in 2017.

Delta becomes the second U.S. carrier -- after American -- to say it would add such a cabin, which goes beyond simply adding a few extra inches of legroom.

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American unveils new international Premium Economy cabin

The new premium economy seats will be a distinctly different seat than its current economy seat, offering not only extra legroom but also additional recline and width, leg rests and other seat upgrades. Customers flying on international premium economy tickets also typically enjoy service enhancements, such as priority check-in and upgraded in-flight dining options.

Delta will debut the product on its new Airbus A350 widebodies, which are expected to begin flying for the carrier next year.

“When we bring in the A350, we will be introducing a new cabin,” new Delta CEO Ed Bastian said Friday while speaking to reporters in Atlanta during the company’s media day. Bastian said the new seats would be a “cabin to itself.”

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Separate international-style premium economy cabins have become common at many full-service global carriers. Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Qantas, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific are among the large global airlines now flying  distinct premium economy cabins on long international flights.

Even Singapore Airlines – regularly regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious airlines – has recently added its own premium economy cabin, which is in the process of being rolled out across that carrier’s long-haul network.

American announced in December that it would add its own version, making it the first U.S. airline to reveal plans for an international-style premium economy cabin.

Delta’s international premium economy cabin was already in the works prior to American’s announcement, said Delta President Glen Hauenstein.

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“They beat us to the announcement, but we had been in the process for a long time,” Hauenstein told media during an interview inside the business class cabin of an Airbus A330. “It had always been our intent to start with the A350 and have the (Boeing) 777 be the first … follower.”

Hauenstein said Delta plans to eventually add international premium economy to “all of our international widebodies,” though he added there is not yet a firm timetable for the rollout. Other planes slated to get the new cabin will be Delta’s A330-200s and Boeing 767-400s, according to Hauenstein.

Hauenstein pledged the “new product line … will really put us in line with some of the international carriers that have introduced this.” He said Delta is putting together its international premium economy with the benefit of insight from partners Air France and Virgin Atlantic, which each have their own versions of international premium economy.

Hauenstein said the international premium economy seats would appeal to customers “whose objective is not to buy the least expensive ticket, but whose companies will not provide them access to the business class cabins. Or (affluent fliers) who want a choice” for a product that “bridges” the gap between expensive, high-end business class seats and standard economy seats.

IN PHOTOS: Singapore Airlines unveils new Premium Economy seat