Emirates is giving Premium Economy passengers more control over their personal space, with a new seat that allows them to raise a full-height privacy screen between themselves and the passenger next to them.
The electrically powered seat will debut on newly received Airbus A350 aircraft, and the divider can be raised, lowered and locked using the seat controls. That means passengers can choose when they want a more private setting for working, eating, relaxing or sleeping.
The new privacy feature is part of a wider redesign of the Emirates Premium Economy seat, which also introduces wireless charging, USB-C power, an adjustable headrest and electronically controlled seating positions.
Emirates Premium Economy: how the privacy screen works
The privacy divider is the feature that changes the experience most noticeably.
Passengers can adjust it from their seat controls and lock it into position. Unlike a small divider, Emirates says the screen extends to the full height of the seat.
So, depending on how the passenger chooses to use it, the space around the seat can feel more separated during different parts of the journey.
The screen can be raised when a passenger wants more privacy and lowered when they prefer a more open setting.
The A350 Premium Economy cabin has 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. Each seat is 20 inches wide, with up to 39 inches of seat pitch.
The seat can change depending on what you’re doing
The new Premium Economy seat is Emirates’ first fully electrically powered seat in the cabin.
Passengers can adjust their seating position using the integrated Passenger Control Unit, with dedicated settings including lounge mode and meal mode.
The seat also reclines into a cradle position without intruding on the row behind. For passengers trying to rest during a flight, Emirates has added its U-Dream headrest by Safran Seats, with adjustable wings for head and neck support, along with a manually deployable leather footrest.
Your phone gets its own place at the seat
There is also a practical technology upgrade.
For the first time in Emirates Premium Economy, passengers will have wireless charging for compatible devices. Every seat also has USB-C charging.
The tray table includes an integrated phone holder, allowing passengers to position their phone as a second screen while eating or watching entertainment.
That sits alongside Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system, displayed on a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen.
On the newly delivered A350 aircraft, passengers will also get additional exterior camera views, with left and right perspectives added to the existing forward and downward views.
What else comes with the new Emirates Premium Economy experience?
The changes extend beyond the seat itself.
Premium Economy passengers receive regionally inspired menus prepared by Emirates’ chefs, with meals served on Royal Doulton fine china, linen napkins and stainless-steel Robert Welch cutlery.
The beverage selection includes Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, which Emirates says is available exclusively to its Premium Economy customers worldwide.
From September, selected routes will also feature Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 and La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014. From October, Wiston Estate Brut NV will become Emirates’ first English sparkling wine, served exclusively in Premium Economy on UK routes.
On long-haul flights, passengers also receive reusable amenity kits created in partnership with United for Wildlife. The kits include travel essentials and, for the first time in Emirates Premium Economy, plant-powered skincare products from Aveda.
Which Emirates flights will have the new seat?
This is an important distinction for passengers: the new seat is being introduced on newly received Airbus A350 aircraft.
Emirates says Premium Economy is now available across all markets currently served with A350 aircraft, but the announcement specifically links this new electrically powered seat to the newly received A350s.
The airline has not provided a route-by-route list in the announcement, so passengers should not assume that every Emirates Premium Economy booking will have the new seat.
For travellers who do get the new product, however, the biggest difference is straightforward: Premium Economy passengers can now decide how much separation they want from the person sitting next to them, while also getting more control over the seat itself and easier ways to keep their devices powered.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
