Photos: Iberia Premium Economy on the Airbus A340

Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340
Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340

About a year ago Iberia introduced a third cabin on its longhaul flights – premium economy. The new premium economy product is offered on flights operated by Airbus A330-300 and Airbus A340-600 aircrafts.

On a flight from Madrid to London this week operated by an Airbus A340-600 I was able to have a look inside the new premium economy cabin. Apparently they do not sell premium economy tickets between Madrid and London so the cabin was completely empty and I could have a proper look, try the seat and take a few photos with no one around.

Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340
Empty premium economy cabin on the Airbus A340-600

On the Airbus A330-300 there are 21 seats in premium economy, three rows in a 2-3-2 configuration. On the Airbus A340-600 there are 23 seats in premium economy in a 2-3-2 configuration with three rows plus a fourth row with only two seats on the left hand side of the cabin. There is no premium economy on the Airbus A330-200.

Premium economy will also be available on the Airbus A350 when it enters service with Iberia.

Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340
23 seats in premium economy on the Airbus A340

The introduction of premium economy has also meant a change in the number of seats in business class. On the Airbus A330-300 seven seats have been removed from the business class cabin and on the Airbus A340-600 ten seats have been removed.

A 2-3-2 configuration with seven seats abreast in premium economy means there is one seat less than in economy class, where there is a 2-4-2 configuration with eight seats.

Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340
Three rows of premium economy, except on the left hand side where there are four rows

The premium economy seats are in the signature Iberia grey colour with design details, such as the seat belts, in red.

Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340
A rather modest and minimalistic design

The seat pitch is 37 inches, compared to 31 inches in economy class, but of course far less than the 78 inches you get in Iberia business class, Business Plus, which on top of that also becomes fully flat. The premium economy seat has a recline of 7 inches.

Iberia Premium Economy seats and cabin on the Airbus A340
37 inches seat pitch in premium economy

Each seat has a 12-inch personal screen with touch-screen functionality and with access to the AVOD (Audio Video On-Demand) inflight entertainment system.

Iberia Premium Economy cabin and seats with screens on the Airbus A340
Individual screens

Each seat also has adjustable headrests and footrests. You also get an amenity kit, a welcome drink and an enhanced meal service.

Iberia Premium Economy cabin and seats with screens on the Airbus A340
Adjustable footrests and headrests

Final impression

The main benefits of premium economy is that the seat has a better recline and far more legroom than economy class. 31 inches in economy class is fairly tight for a long intercontinental flight. The premium economy cabin is also much smaller and more intimate.

Overall the cabin gives a good impression with the rather modest but elegant design, especially when cleaned and empty.

About MorePremium.com 1018 Articles
My interest in premium travels and frequent travels started in the 90’s, so to date I have over 20 years of premium travel experience. MorePremium.com will mostly be about my own experiences, based on my own knowledge and my travel history, but you will also find news items, analyses, tips and tricks and reports from events.

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