Premium economy has emerged as a lucrative middle-ground product for many airlines, with carriers like Lufthansa calling it their "most profitable cabin". However, not all carriers are on board. Both Turkish Airlines and Aer Lingus provide prime examples of why airlines might avoid premium economy despite its profitability for others.
Turkish Airlines: The carrier initially launched premium economy under the brand Comfort Class but scrapped it in 2016 . Chairman Ahmet Bolat cited financial reasons, explaining that competitive business class fares reduced the need for an additional mid-tier option. Aer Lingus: As part of International Airlines Group (IAG), Aer Lingus is strategically positioned to compete on price.
By focusing on economy and business class offerings, it avoids overlapping with its sister airlines, British Airways and Iberia, which offer premium economy. “We will not have a premium economy product,” Turkish Airlines Chairman Ahmet Bolat confirmed, noting that their business class pricing remains affordable enough to eliminate the need for a middle-tier cabin. -- Skift.
com Operational efficiency: simplicity over complexity One of the key reasons airlines like Turkish Airlines and Aer Lingus opt out of premium economy is operational efficiency. Turkish Airlines operates one of the largest global networks, maintaining a diverse fleet with widebody aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. These aircraft are optimized for a two-class configurati.