Today I was invited to take a look at the Emirates Premium Economy Class for the first time on their newly delivered A380, registration A6-EVN.
The new Premium Economy cabin is a first for any airline in the Middle East, with 56 seats in a 2-4-2 cabin layout.
The airline received their latest A380 aircraft from Airbus’ Hamburg facility last week; their remaining order of 5 A380s will also be delivered with Premium Economy cabins during 2021 and until 2022.
Important details
- Stand: up to 40 inches
- Width: 19.5 inches
- Lean: 8 inches
- Seating: 56 seats
- Location: Economy Class forward on the lower deck of A380
I interviewed Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates. He said the new Premium economy was created because of the huge customer demand; Emirates passengers want a product that is better than Economy, but still remains affordable.
He mentioned that there are still five A380s with the Premium Economy range to join the Emirates A380 fleet.
Over time, another 55% of the fleet will also have the Premium Economy product again.
Adel Al Redha, Chief Operating Officer of Emirates
Emirates will launch the new A380 with Premium Economy seating on EK003 / 004, between Dubai and London Heathrow, from 4 January.
Free upgrades
Emirates has said it will not sell these seats (as Premium Economy) until it reaches a critical mass of aircraft. For the time being, therefore, these are only free upgrades for Elite Skywards members and certain passengers who pay at Economy Class fares (presumably passengers with Y-tickets).
For now, there are no further details about the Premium Economy soft product available, only information about the seat itself. Emirates has stated that it will not sell these seats (as Premium Economy) until it reaches a critical mass of aircraft over the network.
Upgraded cabin
For the rest of the A380 cabin, Emirates made some minor changes; however, they decided not to overhaul the layout or design.
The cabin details and finishes have also been refreshed; these changes range from new motifs and colors, for the continuous stairs leading from the main deck to the upper deck, to refreshed design decorations and modern fittings in the Shower Spa.
Business class
Emirates retained their popular A380 Business Class seats; which provides direct access for each passenger, sits down to a flat position and has a mini-bar.
All 76 seats are refreshed with champagne-colored leather covers and wood finishes, inspired by executive beams, similar to the Business Class on the Emirates Boeing 777. “Game changer” aircraft.
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Renovated Business Class Seat on Emirates A380 -
Renovated Business Class Seat on Emirates A380
When I saw it in person, I was generally very impressed with the hut’s decor; the executive, jet-inspired seating fabric offers a modern and sophisticated look throughout the Business Class cabin.
A full video review of the new A380 cabin will be released later this week.