ITA Airways is offering a three-class cabin on its Airbus A321LR, including a dedicated Premium Economy section, according to a recent flight test. The product was assessed on a Rome-Dakar service operated by approximately two-year-old aircraft EI-HXB. With 12 seats, long-haul amenities and a full meal service, the narrow-body cabin was rated as a competitive option, although cleanliness issues were identified during the test.
The Premium Economy cabin occupies three rows in a 2-2 layout and is separated by curtains and partitions. Safran Z600 seats provide a 102-centimetre pitch, 51-centimetre width and 18-centimetre recline, alongside adjustable headrests, leg and calf supports, armrest storage and a large tray table with a smartphone holder.
Each seat has a 15.6-inch 4K entertainment screen, with more than 100 films available. Noise-cancelling headphones are supplied, while Bluetooth allows passengers to use their own equipment. Power is provided through USB-A, USB-C and a standard socket. Viasat Wi-Fi was unavailable on the outbound test flight but worked on the return, where the connection was described as stable with acceptable speeds.
Catering comprised an aperitif, Caprese salad, filled pasta, dessert, wine and coffee. Passengers received a blanket and pillow but no amenity kit. Premium Economy customers used the Business Class check-in counter and boarded in Group 3, without lounge or priority-security access.
The test praised the crew, seat comfort, food and cabin design, but found visible wear and discolouration in a lavatory. The aircraft has three toilets, although they are positioned behind the Economy cabin. ITA Airways uses its A321LRs on European sectors in the morning before deploying them on medium-haul services in the afternoon. The product received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.