Russian carrier S7 Airlines is reconfiguring several Airbus A320s to introduce a business-class cabin, taking advantage of rising demand for premium service.
S7 is to refit 16 A320s which had previously featured an all-economy layout.
It says the aircraft will be updated to have eight business seats as 156 in the economy cabin.
S7 states that it has a large number of corporate clients and that it flew 10% more business travellers in the first half of this year than last.
“We see a growing demand for a high level of service,” says chief executive Vadim Klebanov.
“It is also important for us to provide each individual passenger with the opportunity to choose.”
The seats will be similar to those on S7 aircraft already fitted with a business cabin, including a 35in (89cm) pitch.
S7 says the aircraft reconfiguration follows other recent efforts to expand its appeal to the corporate sector, including introducing an improved business loyalty programme earlier this year.
