DUBAI, UAE — Emirates has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen, further enhancing the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy experience.
The new seat will debut aboard newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, combining advanced technology, greater privacy and enhanced comfort while giving passengers more control over their personal space.
The Emirates A350 Premium Economy cabin features a spacious 2-3-2 configuration with 28 seats. Each seat is 20 inches wide, with a pitch of up to 39 inches. The seats recline into a cradle position without intruding into the row behind, allowing passengers to relax or sleep more comfortably during the flight.
The full-height electric privacy divider, which separates passengers in every seat, is the first feature of its kind in a Premium Economy cabin, according to Emirates.
Enhanced travel experience for African passengers
For African travellers, the new product represents a significant enhancement to Emirates’ travel offering. The airline’s A350 Premium Economy cabin is currently available on daily services between Dubai and Entebbe, Tunis and Cape Town, giving passengers in these markets access to Emirates’ latest-generation cabin and enhanced comfort.
Travellers from other African destinations served by Emirates can also connect through Dubai to A350-operated flights to destinations across Asia, Europe and Australia.
Designed to bridge the gap between Economy and Business Class, Emirates Premium Economy offers additional space, enhanced privacy, upgraded dining and elevated service for both business and leisure travellers.
Passengers can enjoy regionally inspired menus, a curated premium wine programme, amenity kits and Emirates’ hospitality, alongside more than 6,500 channels of movies, television shows, music, podcasts and games on the airline’s award-winning ice inflight entertainment system.
Greater control and privacy
The new electric privacy divider can be raised or lowered using the seat controls and locked into position, allowing passengers to create a more private environment for working, dining or relaxing.
The seat is Emirates’ first fully electrically powered Premium Economy seat. Passengers can adjust their seating position at the touch of a button through the integrated Passenger Control Unit, which includes dedicated settings such as lounge mode and meal mode.
Enhanced comfort
Comfort has also been upgraded with Emirates’ U-Dream headrest by Safran Seats.
The leather headrest provides additional neck and head support, with adjustable wings that can be positioned to suit individual preferences. A manually deployable leather footrest provides further relaxation and helps reduce leg fatigue.
Wireless charging and device connectivity
For the first time in Emirates Premium Economy, passengers will have access to wireless charging for compatible devices.
Each seat also features USB-C charging and a tray table with an integrated phone holder, allowing passengers to use their smartphones as a second screen while dining or watching entertainment.
4K entertainment and enhanced aircraft cameras
Passengers can enjoy Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system on a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen, offering high-definition picture quality and responsive navigation.
Newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft will also feature enhanced external camera views. In addition to the existing forward and downward views, passengers will have access to new left- and right-facing exterior perspectives, providing a more immersive view of the flight.
Premium dining and beverages
The new seat complements Emirates’ established Premium Economy dining experience, which includes gourmet, regionally inspired meals prepared by the airline’s chefs and served on Royal Doulton fine china with linen napkins and stainless-steel Robert Welch cutlery.
Meals are accompanied by a selection of premium beverages, including Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, an Australian sparkling wine served exclusively to Emirates Premium Economy customers worldwide.
From September, passengers on select routes can also enjoy Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 or La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014.
In October, Emirates will introduce Wiston Estate Brut NV, becoming the airline’s first English sparkling wine and serving it exclusively in Premium Economy on UK routes.
The airline says it has invested more than US$1 billion in its wine portfolio since 2006, underscoring its commitment to an enhanced beverage experience.
Sustainable amenity kits and skincare
On long-haul flights, Premium Economy passengers receive reusable amenity kits created in partnership with United for Wildlife.
The collectible bags are made using bio-based materials, including cactus leather alternatives, and feature designs highlighting endangered wildlife across four natural habitats.
For the first time in Premium Economy, the kits also include plant-powered skincare products from Aveda, alongside travel essentials such as socks, eyeshades, earplugs and dental kits.
Emirates continues to expand Premium Economy
Since launching Premium Economy in 2022, Emirates has continued to expand the cabin across its fleet. The product is now available across all markets currently served by its Airbus A350 aircraft.
Inspired by the airline’s Business Class experience, Emirates says its Premium Economy product has set a new benchmark for the category by combining spacious seating, generous legroom, refined dining and advanced entertainment.
The cabin has received several international awards, including Best Premium Economy Class at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2024 and 2025, as well as Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class at the 2025 ULTRAs Awards.
The introduction of the electrically powered Premium Economy seat with a full-height privacy screen is the latest addition to Emirates’ long-standing focus on aviation innovation and customer comfort.
The airline says it will continue investing in products and technologies designed to enhance the passenger experience and help customers “Fly Better.”
