How many African airlines offer premium economy

Well, that’s simple and a very short list. Only three airlines offers this cabin type and that is RwandAir, Uganda Airlines.m and Air Senegal. All the airlines operate Airbus A330s with Rwandair operating the -200 and -300 variants whilst Uganda Airlines operates the newer and less popular -800 neo variant and Air Senegal operates the bigger and more popular A330-900neo. RwandAir amd Air Senegal have 21 seats installed in a 2-3-2 whereas Uganda Airlines has 28 seats also installed in a 2-3-2 configugartion.

What is Premium Economy?

A common misconception is that it’s the halfway mark between business class and economy class. Whilst it may end up like that in the future as seat products develop and continue to improve, for now, premium economy is closer to standard economy than business class. Think of it as a standard economy with a slightly bigger seat and room. Basically, it is a glorified economy class seat. The product obviously varies from airline to airline.

Premium Economy Perks

For both airlines, premium economy has its own cosy cabin made up of just 3 rows of seats for RwandAir amd 4 rows of seats for Uganda Airlines. The seats have adjustable leg and foot rest, additional recline, larger IFE screens, and in seat power outlets. You also get offered premium food and champagne along with an amenity kit if you decide to pay a little extra to enjoy their premium economy offer.

Premium Economy vs Standard Economy

Of course premium economy is better, but how much better is it? Is it really worth paying the extra money? Well, let’s dive a little deeper and compare premium economy and standard economy. On RwandaAir, seat width is 1 inch wider (2.54 centimetres), but you get 8 inches more (20.32 centimetres) in seat pitch. The seat also reclines 2 inches (5.08 centimetres) further than a standard economy seat. Despite the seat being marginally wider, you do get bigger armrests between each seat and a bigger IFE screen.

The Uganda Airlines and Air Senegal premium economy seats are similar. The seats have a width which is 1.27 centimetres wider (0.5 inches), and 15.24 centimetres (6 inches) more in seat pitch. The seat has 5.08 centimetres (2 inches) more recline than a standard economy seat.IFE screen comes in at 11.6 (29.7 centimetres) instead of 10.1 inches (25.7 centimetres).

Is it worth it?

Well, this is definitely a personal preference, but a little extra of everything, especially on a long haul flight is definitely a good idea. If you want to spend a little extra but can’t splurge on business class, then premium economy is a perfect fit. A person used to flying in economy is highly likely to be satisfied with the premium economy upgrade whereas if you’re used to travelling in business class, chances are you won’t like premium economy. After all, the seat is aimed at economy travellers willing to pay a little extra.

NB This post is an update to an earlier version, which only included 2 airlines.