For travelers who see privacy as one of the finer luxuries of flying, Emirates is introducing a new Premium Economy seat designed to give passengers greater control over their personal space.
The airline has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat with a full-height adjustable privacy screen, debuting on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft.
The new seat forms part of Emirates’ continued investment in its Premium Economy cabin, which launched in 2022 and has become one of the airline’s signature products. The A350 Premium Economy cabin features a spacious 2-3-2 layout with just 28 seats.
Privacy at the touch of a button
The full-height divider between seats can be raised or lowered using integrated seat controls and locked into position. Whether passengers want to work, dine, watch a film or simply sleep, the screen allows them to create a more private environment without moving to Business Class.
The seat itself is 20 inches wide, with up to 39 inches of pitch on the A350. It reclines into a cradle position designed to avoid intruding into the row behind.
Passengers can also adjust their seating position electronically through the integrated Passenger Control Unit, which includes dedicated settings such as lounge and meal modes.
Designed around comfort
Emirates has also introduced Safran Seats’ U-Dream headrest, finished in leather and designed to provide additional neck and head support. Adjustable wings allow passengers to find a more personalised position, while a manually deployable leather footrest adds further support during longer flights.
Wireless charging is making its debut in Emirates Premium Economy, alongside USB-C charging at every seat. A tray table with an integrated phone holder is designed to make it easier to use a smartphone as a second screen during meals or entertainment.
The entertainment experience comes via a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen, while the new A350 aircraft also feature enhanced exterior camera views, including left and right perspectives in addition to the forward and downward views.
The details of a more refined journey
The new seat sits within a broader Premium Economy experience that places emphasis on dining and service as well as physical comfort.
Passengers receive regionally inspired menus created by Emirates chefs, served on Royal Doulton fine china with linen napkins and Robert Welch stainless-steel cutlery. The beverage programme includes Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, offered exclusively to Emirates Premium Economy passengers worldwide.
The airline is also expanding its wine selection. From September, selected routes will offer wines including Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 and La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014. From October, Wiston Estate Brut NV will become Emirates’ first English sparkling wine, available exclusively in Premium Economy on UK routes.
For long-haul passengers, reusable amenity kits created in partnership with United for Wildlife feature designs celebrating endangered wildlife across four natural habitats. The kits use bio-based materials, including cactus leather alternatives, and introduce Aveda skincare products to Emirates Premium Economy for the first time.
Since its launch, Emirates Premium Economy has positioned itself between conventional economy and Business Class, combining additional space with upgraded dining, service and amenities. The product has received international recognition, including Best Premium Economy Class at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2024 and 2025.
With its latest seat, Emirates is adding another increasingly valuable element to the premium travel experience: the ability to make your personal space feel genuinely personal, even at 35,000 feet.
