Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand said to lead in premium economy cabin

An assessment of the cabin puts premium economy between business class and economy, with Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand quietly leading the segment, according to the report.

Business class was traditionally aimed at corporate travellers who wanted more space and privacy without the full first class product, the piece notes. Lie-flat seats later let passengers sleep on board. Inflight WiFi allowed them to keep working during flights.

Business class seats have grown more advanced and now resemble older first class designs, the source states. That shift left room for premium economy between the two long-standing cabins. The sources do not give passenger numbers, route details or specific seat specifications for either carrier.