Emirates Introduces Electric Premium Economy Seat on Airbus A350
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Emirates is introducing what it calls the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat with a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat. The new seat will debut on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, giving passengers more control over their comfort and personal space. The 28-seat cabin will also feature wireless charging, an upgraded headrest and new in-flight entertainment (IFE) technology.
Emirates Adds More Privacy to Premium Economy
The new seat features an electrically powered privacy divider that extends to the full height of the seat, which Emirates says is a first for Premium Economy. Passengers can raise or lower the divider using the seat controls and lock it into place. The screen gives passengers more privacy while dining, working, relaxing or sleeping.
The divider forms part of Emirates’ first fully electrically powered Premium Economy seat. Passengers can also adjust their seating position through an integrated Passenger Control Unit, with settings such as lounge and meal modes.
Emirates will install 28 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft. Each seat is 20 inches wide and offers up to 39 inches of pitch. The seats recline into a cradle position without taking space away from the passenger behind. The new seat also includes Safran Seats’ U-Dream headrest, with adjustable wings for added head and neck support, along with a leather footrest.
Furthermore, the airline is adding wireless charging to Premium Economy for the first time, alongside USB-C charging at every seat. Each seat will also include a tray table with a built-in phone holder, allowing passengers to use their device as a second screen.
For in-flight entertainment, each seat includes a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen with Emirates’ ice IFE system. Newly delivered A350s will also add left and right exterior camera views, joining the existing forward and downward cameras, so that passengers can view what’s happening outside the aircraft.
Emirates Continues Expanding Its Premium Economy Experience
The new seat comes only a few years after Emirates first launched Premium Economy in 2022. Since then, the airline has continued expanding the cabin across its fleet and is still working to bring the product to more of its existing aircraft. For now, Emirates plans to install the latest seat only on newly delivered A350s. The airline has not announced plans to bring the new product to its Airbus A380 or Boeing 777 fleets.
Emirates has also expanded the experience beyond the seat with upgraded dining, beverages and amenities. Passengers receive regionally inspired meals prepared by Emirates’ chefs and served on Royal Doulton china with linen napkins and Robert Welch stainless-steel cutlery.
The carrier offers a dedicated wine selection in Premium Economy, including Chandon Vintage Brut 2021. Select routes will add Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 and La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 beginning in September. In October, Emirates will introduce Wiston Estate Brut NV on UK routes, marking its first English sparkling wine. The airline has invested more than $1 billion in its wine program since 2006.
On long-haul flights, passengers also receive reusable amenity kits created with United for Wildlife. The kits use bio-based materials and include Aveda skincare products, socks, eyeshades, earplugs and a dental kit.