CITYJET is adapting to a new market reality, says CEO Geoffrey O'Byrne White, as the London City-based carrier launches CityPlus, a flexible premium economy product.
“Traditional business class doesn't make sense on short-haul routes,“ says O'Byrne White, who says CityPlus has all the flexibility without the frills. “People just want good service, their frequent flyer points and flexibility.“
CityPlus sees the airline doing away with blocking off the middle seat in the front end and introducing fully flexible fares with full refunds on cancellations, free name changes, extra luggage allowance and increased Flying Blue loyalty points. Seven CityPlus flights roughly equates to an eighth one for free.
Other perks include complimentary welcome drink and meal, dedicated check-in, priority boarding and fast track security where available. CityValue is the name for traditional economy fares in the new two-tier pricing structure.
The price of the ticket trade up from CityValue to CityPlus might be as little as 20 euros in some instances, says O'Byrne White, who adds, “We hope to have most flights at peak times filled largely with CityPlus passengers.“
