'The difference between the economy and premium economy fares for last-minute bookings can reduce significantly to just around 20 per cent to 30 per cent in some cases,' said Akshay Kapoor, director (Asia-Pacific) at CWT Solutions Group, which manages travel for corporate clients. Premium economy services have caught on as they are popular with travelers who do not mind paying more for extra comfort, especially on long-haul flights.Ĭost-conscious businesses are also turning to them as an option for their executives on work trips, experts said.Ī premium economy ticket can cost up to 1 ½ times more than the economy fare, though this also varies depending on routes and time of travel. Middle Eastern airlines, which have so far resisted the option, are now considering it as well. ( Read also: Interesting facts about your in-flight meals)Īpart from SIA, airlines that have rolled out such cabins in recent years include Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, which introduced them in 2012. The premium economy cabin includes features such as wider seats with greater recline and more legroom.įirst introduced more than two decades ago, such cabins are now found on more than 50 carriers worldwide, including American, European and Asian airlines. Singapore Airlines (SIA) is banking on premium economy services to entice travelers to pay more for extra comfort.Ībout four in 10 SIA planes now offer the service, slightly more than a year since it rolled out premium economy cabins, which offer perks such as more legroom and better food.Īnd the carrier said it will continue to retrofit more aircraft with such cabins to meet travelers' needs.ĭemand is especially strong on long-haul routes, said SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides.

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