SAUDI ARABIA: Saudia Unveils Premium Economy Seat for Boeing 787s from 2027

LONDON, United Kingdom

• Saudia (SV/SVA) presented a new Premium Economy Class seat at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, according to a Saudia press release distributed by Zawya.
• The cabin will first be offered on newly delivered Boeing 787s in 2027, and will then be introduced on select aircraft in Saudia's existing Airbus A330, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787 fleets as part of a phased retrofit programme, the airline said.
• Executive Traveller reported that the new 787s will have 21 premium economy seats in three rows in a 2-3-2 layout, and that Saudia has not given a timeline for the retrofits.
• The seat has a pitch of up to 43 inches, a 15.5-inch entertainment screen, an extendable calf rest, and additional personal storage, according to the release.
• Saudia did not name the seat manufacturer or model, the number of aircraft to be retrofitted, or the routes on which the cabin will be offered.
• Chief Commercial Officer Arved von zur Muehlen 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."
• The cabin is part of the fleet modernisation and cabin refurbishment programme under the airline's "New Saudia Experience" initiative.
• At the same event, Saudia showcased the business class cabin of its Airbus A321XLR, which joined the fleet earlier this year. The A321XLR has 24 lie-flat business class suites with direct aisle access and 120 economy seats.
• Saudia committed to up to 49 Boeing 787s in 2023, Executive Traveller reported.
• Saudia says it operates 156 aircraft to around 100 destinations, including all 26 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudia Group is preparing a fleet request for proposals (RFP) covering 2030 and beyond, IAN reported earlier.
• Saudia has been contacted for comment.

Sources:

• Saudia via Zawya
• TradeArabia
• Executive Traveller