Saudia unveils new premium economy cabin with 43” seat pitch on Boeing 787s from 2027
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Saudia has unveiled its first premium economy cabin at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, confirming plans to introduce the new seats on Boeing 787 Dreamliners arriving next year.
The Saudi Arabian flag carrier presented the product on 3 November as part of its wider fleet modernisation and cabin refurbishment programme, known as the New Saudia Experience.
The new seats will offer up to 43” pitch, a 15.5” inflight entertainment screen, an extendable calf rest, additional personal storage and enhanced privacy.
Saudia also plans to retrofit selected Airbus A330, Boeing 777 and existing Boeing 787 aircraft, extending the product across its long-haul fleet.
What passengers can expect from Saudia’s premium economy seats
The new Saudia premium economy cabin will sit between economy and business class, offering passengers more space and comfort without the cost of a fully flat business-class seat.
With up to 43” pitch, Saudia’s premium economy product will offer considerably more legroom than conventional economy seating.
It also exceeds the seat pitch offered by several established premium economy products. Emirates, for example, offers up to 40” pitch in its premium economy cabin.
The 15.5” entertainment screen and extendable calf rest will improve entertainment and comfort on longer flights. In-seat storage provides more room for personal belongings.
Aviation Business News identifies Safran as the seat manufacturer, although Saudia’s announcement does not specify the supplier or seat model.
Executive Traveller reports that the new Boeing 787 cabin will include 21 premium economy seats arranged in three rows in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Saudia premium economy: Key facts
- 43-inch seat pitch
- 15.5-inch entertainment screen
- Launches in 2027
- Debuts on Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- 21 seats in a 2-3-2 layout
- Retrofits planned for selected A330s, 777s and existing 787s
- Part of the New Saudia Experience programme
Saudia expands its premium cabin offering.
In the airline’s announcement, Arved von zur Muehlen, Saudia’s chief commercial officer, said of the new cabin:
“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 airline is investing in new Boeing 787 aircraft while also introducing longer-range narrowbody services with the Airbus A321XLR.
Saudia also used World Travel Market to showcase the A321XLR’s business-class cabin, featuring 24 fully flat suites with direct aisle access and 120 economy seats.
The aircraft joined Saudia’s fleet earlier this year, making it the first airline in the Middle East and Africa to operate the A321XLR.
The carrier previously detailed its A321XLR cabin plans, including its choice of Thompson Aero Seating’s VantageSOLO business-class suites.
Saudia has also updated amenity kits and dining serviceware as part of its onboard hospitality offering.
#MoreToFlyFor Imbued with Saudi hospitality in every fine detail 💫✈️💚 Redefining your travel experience with an all-new collection of onboard essentials, crafted exclusively for First, Business, and Guest Classes 👝🍽️🎧✨ #ThisIsHowWefly https://t.co/ZGpxSQkge0
— Saudia (@SaudiAirlinesEn) June 1, 2026
The introduction of premium economy brings Saudia into the growing mix of international airlines that have introduced the “happy middle” cabin, first developed by EVA Air and Virgin Atlantic more than three decades ago.
While many airlines were slow to adopt the cabin, increased demand for premium cabin experiences following COVID-19 has encouraged airlines to expand cabin options for passengers seeking more comfort than standard economy.
