NITN | @notintownlive | 07 Sep 2026, 07:41 am
Emirates
Photo: Emirates website
Aviation major Emirates is taking its award-winning Premium Economy experience a step further with the launch of what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat.
The new seat will debut on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft. It combines enhanced comfort with new technology, giving passengers greater control over their personal space during flights.
The seat will be installed in Emirates’ A350 Premium Economy cabin, which features a spacious 2-3-2 configuration with 28 seats.
The electrically operated privacy divider extends to the full height of the seat, which Emirates says is the first feature of its kind in a Premium Economy cabin worldwide.
The Premium Economy seats are 20 inches wide, with a seat pitch of up to 39 inches on the A350. They also recline into a cradle position without intruding into the space of the passenger behind, allowing customers to sleep and relax more comfortably.

How the new seat works
Passengers can raise or lower the privacy divider using the seat controls and lock it into their preferred position, creating a more private environment for relaxing, dining or working during the flight.
The new seat is Emirates’ first fully electrically powered Premium Economy seat. Passengers can also 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 ergonomic comfort
Comfort has also been upgraded with Emirates’ U-Dream headrest by Safran Seats.
Made from leather, the redesigned headrest provides additional neck and head support, with adjustable wings that can be positioned according to individual preferences.
A manually deployable leather footrest provides further support and helps reduce leg fatigue during flights.
Wireless charging and connectivity
Emirates is introducing wireless charging to its Premium Economy cabin for the first time, allowing passengers to conveniently charge compatible devices during their journey.
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.
Passengers can access Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system through a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen, offering high-definition picture quality and responsive navigation.
On newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, passengers will also have access to enhanced exterior camera views. New left- and right-side perspectives will complement the existing forward and downward views, providing a more immersive look at the aircraft’s surroundings.
Premium dining and beverages
The new seat complements Emirates’ existing Premium Economy offering, which includes regionally inspired gourmet menus prepared by the airline’s chefs.
Meals are served on Royal Doulton fine china with linen napkins and stainless-steel Robert Welch cutlery, alongside a selection of premium beverages.
The beverage selection includes Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, an Australian sparkling wine available exclusively to Emirates Premium Economy customers worldwide.
Emirates also offers a selection of premium wines in the cabin.
From September, customers travelling on selected routes may be served Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 or La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014. In October, Emirates will introduce Wiston Estate Brut NV, which will become the airline’s first English sparkling wine and will be served exclusively in Premium Economy on UK routes.
Emirates said these offerings are part of its continued investment in its wine programme, with more than $1 billion invested in its wine portfolio since 2006.
Amenity kits and skincare
On long-haul flights, Premium Economy passengers also receive reusable amenity kits developed in partnership with United for Wildlife.
The collectible bags are made using bio-based materials, including cactus-based leather alternatives, and feature designs highlighting endangered wildlife across four natural habitats.
For the first time in Premium Economy, the kits also include plant-based skincare products from Aveda.
Other essentials include socks, eyeshades, earplugs and a dental kit, with sustainable materials used throughout the collection.
Emirates expands Premium Economy offering
Since introducing Premium Economy in 2022, Emirates has continued to expand the cabin across its fleet. The product is now available in all markets currently served by its A350 aircraft.
Inspired by the airline’s Business Class offering, Emirates Premium Economy is positioned as a premium cabin experience combining spacious seating, generous legroom, refined dining and advanced inflight entertainment.
The cabin has received several international awards, including ‘Best Premium Economy Class’ at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2024 and 2025, and ‘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 marks the latest addition to Emirates’ focus on aviation and passenger-experience innovation.
The airline has previously invested in onboard connectivity, inflight Wi-Fi and next-generation entertainment systems, as part of its broader effort to enhance the passenger experience and help customers “Fly Better.”
- Your next Emirates flight could feel more private thanks to this new seat
- India-Bhutan Air Connectivity Gets a Boost with Air India-Drukair Partnership
- Back to India After 17 Years! SAS Launches Non-Stop Mumbai-Copenhagen Flights
- No More Layovers! Fly Direct from Gaya to Bangkok with IndiGo from Oct 26
- The $5 flight that could change aviation sector: Heart Aerospace’s battery-electric X1 aircraft makes history
- Qatar Airways’ F1 package is here: Race tickets, hotel stay and more
- Akasa Air Launches Akasa Elevate Loyalty Programme with Points, Tier Benefits, and Priority Services
- Lufthansa Group Introduces High-Speed Starlink Wi-Fi for Passengers
- Mid-air scare! IndiGo Kolkata-Chennai flight suffers engine failure before landing
- IndiGo's 20th birthday surprise: 20,000 passengers to fly free
Aviation major Emirates is taking its award-winning Premium Economy experience a step further with the launch of what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat.
Air India and Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, have entered into an interline partnership to enhance travel convenience and strengthen network connectivity between India, Bhutan, and destinations beyond.
SAS will resume nonstop flights between Scandinavia and India from October 1, 2026, with a year-round service connecting Copenhagen and Mumbai. The route will operate five times a week using an Airbus A330, marking SAS' return to India after a 17-year gap.
