More and more of us want to travel long haul in more comfort, and for those who can’t stretch all the way up to a lie-flat seat in business class, Emirates could have just shaken up the Premium Economy market with a brand new seat on their upcoming Airbus A350 aircraft. It will introduce the world’s first electrically operated Premium Economy seat with a full-height privacy screen (like you would find in business class).
The screen sits between the seats and can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, allowing passengers to create a more private space when they want to work, dine or simply relax without feeling quite so exposed to the passenger alongside them. It is a relatively simple idea, but one that could make Premium Economy feel considerably more personal.
Image: Emirates, Premium Economy
Emirates has also taken the opportunity to rethink the seat itself. The new cabin has just 28 Premium Economy seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration, with seats up to 20 inches wide and up to 39 inches of pitch. Each has an adjustable U-Dream headrest, a leather-padded leg rest and a cradle-style recline designed to provide greater comfort without encroaching too heavily on the space behind.
There are some useful technology touches too, including wireless charging, USB-C connectivity and an integrated phone holder, while a 13.3-inch 4K HDR screen provides the entertainment. The cabin also retains the more spacious feel that has become one of the attractions of Emirates’ Premium Economy, with wider seats and more room to stretch out than Economy.
Image: Emirates, Premium Economy
The A350 is being introduced across Emirates’ network as part of the airline’s wider fleet renewal programme, and the new Premium Economy cabin will add another option for travellers who want a step up from Economy without moving all the way to Business Class. For longer flights in particular, the combination of more personal space and the new privacy screen could make quite a difference.
