Eurowings Launches Premium BIZ Seating: A Step Forward in European Aviation
Readers familiar with the European commercial aviation landscape will recognize that many airlines prioritize flexibility in their short-haul business class offerings. Traditional European business class often opts to block out middle seats in the first rows of aircraft, creating a more spacious experience for travelers. This layout aims to balance comfort with the fluctuating demand for premium seats across various routes. However, this ergonomic solution has faced criticism, especially when compared to the four-abreast recliners typical of North American airlines’ short-haul and domestic first-class services.
Longer flights on narrowbody twinjets, particularly those extending to destinations in the Middle East, can amplify these discomforts. This is where Eurowings is stepping in with an innovative approach.
Introducing Eurowings’ Premium BIZ Seating
In a recent announcement, Eurowings, a low-cost German carrier that’s part of the larger Lufthansa Group, revealed plans to test a new business class seat reminiscent of North American standards. Dubbed Premium BIZ, these spacious recliners are set to debut on the Berlin to Dubai route in November 2025.
Eurowings will operate daily flights from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to Dubai International (DXB), alongside 15 round trips to Dubai World Central (DWC). With these journeys lasting over six hours, the upgrade to Premium BIZ seating is expected to be a game changer for passengers seeking comfort during medium-haul flights. Jens Bischof, CEO of Eurowings, stated:
"With our new Premium BIZ seat, we offer business travelers and holidaymakers a completely new level of comfort on medium-haul flights. More privacy and a significantly enhanced feel-good atmosphere make longer flights noticeably more pleasant. We are thus setting a new standard in our market segment and clearly positioning Eurowings as Europe’s leading value airline."
Examining the Key Facts & Figures
Eurowings plans to roll out the Premium BIZ seats on its Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for their efficiency and modern amenities. Each A320neo will house eight of these Geven recliners, laid out in two four-abreast rows, designed explicitly for enhanced comfort.
The specifications reveal that these seats will offer a 39-inch seat pitch and weigh 30 kg (66 lbs) each. According to insights from aviation journalist Andreas Spaeth, this ergonomic design promises significant improvements in passenger experience.
| Class | Perks |
|---|---|
| Premium BIZ | Four-abreast recliner seats |
| BIZ Class | Six-abreast rows with extra legroom and a blocked middle seat |
| SMART | Six-abreast rows with extra legroom |
The new Premium BIZ seats will feature adjustable backrests, generous upholstery, and a commitment to privacy that surpasses current medium-haul flight standards. Bookings for this exciting new class will be available starting August 2025 for the November flights.
Future Directions: A Review of Eurowings’ Fleet
As of now, Eurowings operates a fleet of seven Airbus A320neo aircraft, each an average of 2.6 years old. These modern jets feature a predominantly tourist-focused configuration, but the introduction of Premium BIZ seating marks a significant shift towards a more upscale offering.
Currently, the layout consists of 180 seats, which formerly adhered to the typical European airlines’ practice of blocking middle seats to create a quasi-business class atmosphere. With these new recliners, Eurowings aims to redefine comfort and privacy in short-haul flights.
In the upcoming years, the carrier plans to transition to a mixed fleet, incorporating Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with “fundamentally redefined” cabins expected in 2027. This evolution will facilitate a broader range of offerings tailored to different traveler needs, continuing to position Eurowings as a significant player in Europe’s aviation arena.
With the launch of Premium BIZ seating, Eurowings is not only responding to market demands but also setting a new benchmark for comfort in European short-haul travel. As the industry evolves, the implementation of more spacious, comfortable arrangements reflects a keen awareness of passenger needs—both corporate and leisure travelers alike.
