WestJet Airlines blocks middle plane seats in premium economy

WestJet Airlines will block the middle seat in its premium economy cabin and charge more for the extra room as Canada's second-largest carrier bids to boost revenue.

"It's a completely different product," chief executive officer Gregg Saretsky said. "Today we have three abreast, tomorrow we have two abreast."

WestJet's "enhanced" premium economy product will be available on Wednesday for travel starting September 14, 2015, the Calgary- based airline said.

Tickets will cost 3 per cent to 9 per cent more than under the current configuration, yet allow for savings of as much as 75 per cent versus competing airlines, said Bob Cummings, the airline's executive vice president of sales and marketing.

WestJet, which introduced its premium economy cabin in 2013, is preparing to add Boeing 767 aircraft to its plane family by the end of the year. Until then, WestJet will continue to fly only Boeing 737s in its main fleet. It also uses Bombardier Q400 turboprops at the Encore short-haul unit.

Passengers on both the Boeing 737 and 767 will have the choice of a window or aisle seat.

On the Boeing 737, the middle seat in premium economy class - called Plus - will be outfitted with a new tray table, allowing passengers more space. On the Boeing 767 jets, the Plus section will include wider seats with each set of two seats separated by an aisle, the company said.

Passengers flying Boeing 767s on longer routes will have access to "premium" food and beverage service, including hot meals.

Bloomberg