Wizz Air Reintroduces $580 'Unlimited Flying' Offer and Considers Business Class

European budget airline Wizz Air has announced the return of its 'Unlimited Flying' membership, specifically aimed at enticing the business travel sector. This marks the third iteration of this offer, which is priced at approximately $580 annually.

Available for residents across 34 nations in Europe and the Middle East, the membership offers 10,000 spots. 'We found out that many of those purchasing the Unlimited Flying option weren't existing Wizz Air clients,' commented Silvia Mosquera, the airline's commercial officer, during a press event in London.

Though an attractive proposition, there are strings attached. Each flight leg incurs an additional fee of about $11.65 (9.99 euros) and reservations must be made no more than 72 hours ahead, provided seats are available. On average, users of this pass take advantage of it nine times yearly.

The airline is also exploring the introduction of a business class service. Seats will differ from standard offerings by having the middle seat unoccupied—a practice similar to short-haul business services seen in legacy European carriers like British Airways.

Introducing 'Wizz Class'

Michael Delehant, Wizz Air's senior chief of commercial operations, remarked, 'We are not looking to cordon off half the plane, but as our business clientele expands, they're asking for slightly more.' The new 'Wizz Class' targets economical business travelers who seek additional comfort without incurring first-class charges.

The trial phase will include the front row of the aircraft and may come with additional perks such as priority boarding. Five key routes—Budapest, Bucharest, Warsaw, Rome, and London—are slated to offer this in December.

Mirroring strategies adopted by several American low-cost airlines, Wizz Air aims to capture the premium customer segment as financial margins tighten.

Operational Challenges

Wizz Air's shares have plummeted by 24% this year. Operational hindrances include troubles with Pratt & Whitney engines, grounding 41 aircraft. Earlier in July, Wizz Air ceased its Abu Dhabi operations, citing geo-political tensions, regulatory concerns, and worsening engine fuel performance due to climate conditions.