Emirates Airline has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring enhanced privacy, comfort and personal controls for passengers.
The airline announced the new product in a statement made available to journalists in Nigeria over the weekend, saying it would debut on its newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft.
The new Premium Economy seat is designed to provide passengers with a more private and comfortable experience between Economy and Business Class.
A key feature is a full-height electrically operated privacy screen positioned between every seat. Passengers can raise or lower the divider using the seat controls and adjust it to their preferred position.
“At the heart of the new offering is a full-height electrically operated privacy screen between every seat, allowing travellers to create a more personal space at the touch of a button,” Emirates said.
The airline said the design was intended to address some of the challenges associated with long-haul travel, including sleeping, working, eating and watching films in a shared cabin space.
The A350 Premium Economy cabin will have 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. Each seat is 20 inches wide and offers up to 39 inches of seat pitch, providing passengers with additional legroom.
The seats also recline into a cradle position, which Emirates said would allow passengers to relax while limiting the impact on the space of the person seated behind them.
Passengers will be able to adjust their seats electronically through an integrated Passenger Control Unit, with dedicated settings including lounge and meal modes.
Another feature is the U-Dream headrest, developed by Safran Seats. Made from leather, the headrest provides additional support for the head and neck and can be adjusted to different positions.
The seats also feature electrically deployable leather leg rests, designed to provide additional support and comfort during longer flights.
Emirates is also introducing wireless charging in its Premium Economy cabin for the first time. Each seat will have USB-C charging, while the tray table will include an integrated phone holder.
The airline said the combination of adjustable seating, privacy features and charging facilities was intended to give passengers greater control over their journey.
The new Premium Economy product will enter service with Emirates’ Airbus A350 fleet as the airline continues to introduce new cabin features across its long-haul network.
