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Emirates is introducing a new version of its Premium Economy seat on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, adding an electrically operated full-height privacy screen between every seat, powered seat controls and wireless device charging. The new seat features will debut in a 28-seat Premium Economy cabin arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. Other additions include USB-C power, an integrated phone holder and additional exterior aircraft cameras offering left and right views alongside the existing forward and downward camera feeds.
I am generally a big fan of Premium Economy. For many travellers, it strikes a useful balance between the increasingly high price of Business Class and the more confined experience of Economy. Seat comfort and service standards are typically a noticeable step up from Economy, while pricing is considerably more approachable than Business Class. However, one area where Premium Economy has struggled to bridge that gap is privacy.
Premium Economy cabins still generally use conventional multi-seat rows rather than the individual pods and suites common in international Business Class. That can be particularly noticeable for solo travellers. A 2-3-2 configuration works well for couples travelling together, but solo travellers have no true individual seating option.
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin on the A350 continues to use a 2-3-2 configuration, but the airline is attempting to improve personal space within that layout by installing a full-height privacy divider between every seat. It is a relatively simple change, but potentially meaningful for travellers who value some separation from their seatmate.
Full-height privacy screens on Emirates Premium Economy
The new Emirates Premium Economy seat introduces an electrically operated privacy divider that extends to the full height of the seat. Passengers can raise or lower the divider using their seat controls and lock it into their preferred position.
The screen is intended to provide additional separation between passengers while resting, dining or working. Unlike a fixed divider, passengers can choose whether to raise or lower the screen during the flight.
This does not turn Premium Economy into an enclosed Business Class suite, nor does it fundamentally change the 2-3-2 seating arrangement. Passengers seated at the window or in the middle of the centre section may still have to pass another passenger to reach the aisle. However, it does provide considerably more control over personal space than is normally available in a Premium Economy cabin. For solo travellers in particular, that could be one of the more useful aspects of the new seat.
Wireless charging on Emirates Premium Economy
One of my personal favourite additions is much simpler – wireless charging. Emirates is introducing wireless device charging to Premium Economy for the first time with the new A350 seat. Every seat will provide wireless charging for compatible devices, allowing passengers to keep their phone powered without having to connect and disconnect a charging cable throughout the flight.
USB-C charging will also be available at every seat, providing another option for passengers travelling with phones, tablets and other electronic devices.
Having both charging options is particularly useful on long-haul flights, where personal devices are often used throughout the journey, and passengers may be using their phone, the aircraft’s entertainment system, and other electronics at the same time.
The tray table also incorporates a phone holder. Passengers can position their phone in the holder while dining or using the main inflight entertainment system, basically a second screen.
Emirates expands its popular exterior aircraft cameras on the A350
Aircraft cameras have long been one of my favourite inflight entertainment features, particularly during takeoff and landing, and Emirates is expanding the number of views available on the new aircraft. The existing system provides forward and downward exterior camera views. On newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, Emirates will also add left and right exterior perspectives.
Emirates Premium Economy amenity kits on long-haul flights
On long-haul flights, Premium Economy passengers also receive reusable amenity kits designed in partnership with United for Wildlife. The collectible bags use bio-based materials, including cactus leather alternatives, and feature designs celebrating endangered wildlife across four natural habitats.
The amenity kits also introduce Aveda plant-powered skincare products to Emirates Premium Economy for the first time. In addition to the skincare products, each kit contains practical travel essentials including socks, eye shades, earplugs and a dental kit, with sustainable materials incorporated throughout the collection.
Takeaway
The additional space, improved seat and enhanced service can make a significant difference on a long flight without requiring passengers to pay Business Class fares. Emirates’ new Premium Economy seat will address privacy without pretending Premium Economy is something it isn’t.
The 2-3-2 layout remains, as do the compromises associated with sharing a row. The new full-height electric divider simply gives passengers more control over their immediate space, which should be particularly welcome for solo travellers. Add the 20-inch seat width, up to 39 inches of pitch, cradle-style recline, powered seat adjustment, wireless charging, USB-C power and an integrated phone holder, and the changes amount to a comprehensive update of the Premium Economy seat itself.
The expanded exterior camera system is a nice addition, too. Having left and right views alongside the forward and downward feeds should be particularly enjoyable during takeoff and landing.
