Premium Economy is getting a little more private, and Emirates is putting that idea quite literally between every passenger.
The airline has introduced what it says is the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat with a full-height adjustable privacy screen, debuting on its newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft.
The new seats are part of Emirates’ 28-seat Premium Economy cabin, arranged in a spacious 2-3-2 configuration. The 20-inch-wide seats offer up to 39 inches of pitch and recline into a cradle position, allowing passengers to relax without taking up the space of the person behind them.
But the standout feature is the privacy screen. Passengers can raise or lower it using the seat controls and lock it into position, creating a more personal space for working, dining or simply switching off during a flight.
Comfort meets convenience
The electric seat comes with dedicated seating modes, including lounge and meal settings, while a redesigned leather U-Dream headrest provides adjustable neck and head support. There is also a leather footrest for added comfort.
Emirates is also introducing wireless charging in Premium Economy, alongside USB-C charging and a tray table with an integrated phone holder.
Entertainment gets an upgrade too, with a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen offering access to more than 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, podcasts and games.
Bringing the experience closer to Africa
For African travellers, the new A350 Premium Economy experience is already available on daily Emirates services between Dubai and Entebbe, Tunis and Cape Town.
Travellers from other destinations across the Emirates African network can also connect through Dubai to A350-operated flights serving destinations across Asia, Europe and Australia.
And it is not just the seat getting an upgrade. Premium Economy passengers can enjoy regionally inspired meals served on Royal Doulton china, premium beverages, curated wines and reusable amenity kits featuring Aveda skincare products on long-haul flights.
For Emirates, the latest seat is another step in its effort to make Premium Economy feel less like a halfway point between Economy and Business Class, and more like an experience of its own.
Scene Feed thought
More space is always welcome on a long flight, but privacy can make just as much of a difference. Emirates’ new seat is clearly designed for travellers who want to work, eat, watch a movie or simply enjoy some quiet time without feeling like they are sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger.