Emirates new Premium Economy seats: What’s new and how it compares with other airlines

Dubai-based airline Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking new Premium Economy seat, equipped with a full-height adjustable privacy screen and powered by electricity. This innovative feature is the world's first of its kind on a Premium Economy seat, providing passengers with unprecedented control over their personal space. The new seat, set to debut on the airline's newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, boasts a 2-3-2 seating arrangement with 28 seats per aircraft, offering 20 inches of width and up to 39 inches of pitch (legroom).

The standout feature of this new Premium Economy seat lies in its electrically powered privacy divider, which can be raised, lowered, and locked into position. This enables passengers to have a more comfortable and tranquil experience, whether they wish to work, eat, or simply switch off from their neighboring passenger. Additionally, the seat itself is powered electrically, providing dedicated positions such as 'lounge mode' and 'meal mode', differentiating it from traditional Premium Economy seats that rely on cabin layout, headrests, or smaller dividers for privacy.

Emirates' new Premium Economy cabin also prioritizes comfort and technology, featuring a redesigned leather U-Dream headrest with adjustable wings for extra head and neck support. The airline has introduced wireless charging, USB-C charging, and a built-in phone holder in the tray table. Passengers can enjoy a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen for entertainment, along with external aircraft camera views on long-haul flights.

Reusable amenity kits made from bio-based materials and featuring Aveda skincare products, socks, eyeshades, earplugs, and a dental kit are also included on long-haul flights.

While Emirates' new Premium Economy seat is not the only one offering enhanced features, it stands out for its unique full-height adjustable privacy screen and electric-powered components, setting it apart from conventional cabins. Airlines such as Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways have also expanded their Premium Economy offerings, focusing on aspects like seat engineering, privacy, technology, and service, but Emirates' new cabin is the first to introduce the electric privacy screen.