Premium economy seen as widest-margin cabin on long-haul widebodies

On long-haul routes such as London to New York, the fare gap between premium economy and business class has grown wide, according to an analysis of cabin pricing. A lie-flat business suite on those corridors commonly sells for more than $4,500. Recliner seats in premium economy, a short distance behind, go for over $1,000.

The spread is intentional, the account says, not the result of weak demand or poor yield management in the front cabin. Airlines are using the structure to make premium economy the highest-margin section on a widebody aircraft in service today.