Saudia (the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia) will introduce a new Premium Economy cabin beginning in 2027. The airline unveiled the product at the World Travel Market London 2026, confirming it will debut on factory-fresh Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliners before being retrofitted across the existing widebody fleet.
Saudia Introduces Premium Economy with 21 Seats per Cabin
The decision to formalize a Premium Economy offering changes the carrier, which has historically maintained a two-class structure. The new cabin will feature a 2-3-2 configuration with 21 seats spread across three rows. The hardware includes a 43-inch seat pitch, a 15.5-inch entertainment display, and an extendable calf rest. The project is a central component of the “New Saudia Experience,” an umbrella initiative for fleet modernization and cabin refurbishment.
Saudia’s fleet strategy relies heavily on its 2023 commitment to acquire up to 49 Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787s. While the new Dreamliners will arrive with the cabin pre-installed, the airline intends to perform retrofits on selected Airbus (EPA: AIR) A330, Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777, and existing 787 jets. The airline has not yet disclosed a timeline for these retrofits, nor has it identified which routes will receive the first upgraded aircraft. Beyond the seat hardware, the airline is also introducing extra personal storage and enhanced privacy features to the cabin.
Carrier Joins Regional Competitors by Launching Middle Ground Seating
The move fills a gap for passengers who find standard economy insufficient but do not require the full-service investment of a Business Class ticket. Saudia joins sibling carrier Riyadh Air in introducing this middle-ground offering, while Qatar Airways has also identified the cabin class as a “watch this space” project.
The airline recently integrated the Airbus (EPA: AIR) A321XLR into its fleet, becoming the first operator in the Middle East and Africa to deploy the long-range narrowbody. This aircraft features 24 flatbed business class suites with direct aisle access and 120 economy seats, further segmenting the carrier’s value proposition. Alongside these cabin updates, the airline is refreshing its broader onboard hospitality, including new amenity kits and dining service ware across its fleet.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Seat Pitch | Up to 43 inches |
| Entertainment Screen | 15.5 inches |
| Cabin Configuration | 2-3-2 (Boeing 787) |
| Planned Retrofit Fleet | A330, B777, B787 |
Airline Keeps Pricing Details Under Wraps Ahead of Debut
Arved von zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at Saudia, described the rollout as a step in “enhancing the choices and comfort available to our guests,” though the airline has not disclosed pricing or route-specific deployment for the “New Saudia Experience” cabin. He further noted that the “World Travel Market London offers a chance to showcase these advancements to our global partners and highlight the improvements in our guest experience.”
The airline plans to debut the new cabin on newly delivered Boeing 787 aircraft in 2027 before retrofitting selected aircraft within its existing Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 fleets. The carrier is also refreshing its ancillary offerings, including amenity kits and dining service ware, to standardize the premium experience across its network.
The expansion is part of a broader push to align Saudia with the kingdom’s national tourism and connectivity goals, which require higher capacity and more diverse cabin products to accommodate increasing international traffic. While sibling carrier Riyadh Air has also signaled its intent to compete in the premium space, Saudia is introducing the new cabin as part of its own fleet modernization and refurbishment program.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
