Travellers out of Singapore utilize premium-economy fares more often, according to research published by Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Travelport.

The research looked at 1.3 million bookings throughout 2015, 2016 and 2017. Premium-economy bookings grew at 157 per cent each year, the research concluded. Other bookings, especially economy class, decreased each year.

“This makes sense, given the trend we’re seeing where companies are looking beyond travel costs and paying more attention to traveler comfort and productivity,” said Richard Johnson, Asia/Pacific director, CWT Solutions Group.

“When you look at corporate travel policies, we have seen more companies allowing their employees to travel premium economy over the last few years,” added Johnson. “Still, only around a quarter of our clients have policies that explicitly allow their travelers to book this cabin class, suggesting that there’s still a lot of room for growth for premium economy in corporate travel,” Johnson went on.

In 2017, premium-economy booking accounted for 7 per cent of business travel, up from 1.2 per cent in 2015. By the end of 2017, about one-fifth of the airlines serving Singapore offered premium-economy accommodations.

When is the last time you flew for business? Were you bumped to premium economy? Do you think this trend will impact you? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.