Premium Economy is becoming increasingly important among air travelers. According to IATA, around 116.9 million Premium Economy tickets were sold worldwide in 2024. This represented approximately six percent of all international air travel. Emirates is also investing in the cabin class, although the airline only introduced it four years ago. The Gulf carrier is currently still retrofitting its Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s with Premium Economy.
Emirates has now unveiled the next generation of its Premium Economy cabin. The new version does not yet have an official name. At the heart of the new cabin is a redesigned seat which, according to the airline, is the world’s first electrically adjustable Premium Economy seat equipped with a privacy divider.
At the push of a button, the divider can be raised to the full height of the seat and then locked into position. This creates significantly more privacy for passengers – a feature that has so far been primarily associated with Business Class.
Seat Can Be Fully Adjusted Electrically
The seat itself has also been extensively redesigned. For the first time, it can be fully adjusted electrically. Passengers can use a remote control to select their preferred seating position. Preset positions for lounging and dining are also available.
Additional comfort is provided by Safran Seats’ U-Dream headrest. Its adjustable side wings are designed to provide more individual support for the head and neck.
Emirates is also upgrading the seat’s equipment. Premium Economy passengers will be able to wirelessly charge compatible devices for the first time. USB-C ports will also be available at every seat.
The new folding table features an integrated smartphone holder. This allows passengers to use their mobile device as a second screen while the in-flight entertainment system remains available. The IFE screen itself remains at 13.3 inches, and offers a 4K resolution.
Another new feature concerns the aircraft’s external cameras. The aircraft will receive two additional cameras on the left and right sides. Passengers will be able to use them to see more of their surroundings during the flight.
Onboard Service Moves Closer to Business Class
It is not only the seat that is being upgraded. Emirates is also enhancing its service, with Premium Economy increasingly taking inspiration from Business Class. Meals will be served on porcelain tableware, accompanied by fabric napkins and a new selection of wines.
The airline is also introducing changes to its amenity kits. They will contain Aveda care products, as well as socks, a sleep mask, earplugs and a dental care kit.
Launching on the Airbus A350
The new Premium Economy cabin will be introduced with upcoming deliveries of the Airbus A350. According to aviation data provider CH-Aviation, Emirates has already taken delivery of 27 A350-900s. A further 46 aircraft are still scheduled to be delivered.
On the A350, Premium Economy will be arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration with a total of 28 seats. The seats are 51 centimeters wide, while seat pitch will be up to 99 centimeters.
It remains unclear whether Emirates will eventually introduce the new Premium Economy product on other aircraft types as well.
