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Hawaiian Airlines will introduce a premium economy cabin to its Airbus A330 fleet, according to recent statements from executives at Alaska Air Group, the airline’s new parent company. The addition is part of a broader cabin refurbishment for the A330s, which are used extensively on routes between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii, as well as international flights to Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
The planned upgrades include more lie-flat seats in first class and refreshed interiors throughout the aircraft. Shane Tackett, Chief Financial Officer of Alaska Air Group, stated during an earnings call: "We're going to be reconfiguring the A330s and increasing the first-class cabin ... we're going to be putting premium — international premium economy — seats on [those planes]." Tackett added that these retrofits are expected over the "next few years" with "refreshed interiors and enhanced amenities."
These changes follow industry trends as many airlines have expanded their premium economy offerings in response to growing demand. Premium economy cabins typically provide larger seats than standard coach along with improved dining service and other upgraded amenities. United Airlines recently announced it would increase its number of premium economy seats after seeing higher-than-expected demand for its Premium Plus product.
