First look of Emirates Premium Economy and Upgraded Cabin on A380

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Today I was invited to have a first look at the Emirates Premium Economy Class on their newly delivered A380, registration A6-EVN.

The new Premium Economy cabin is a first for any Middle Eastern airline, with 56 seats in a 2-4-2 cabin layout.

The airline received their latest A380 aircraft from the Airbus factory in Hamburg last week; their remaining order of 5 A380s will also come with Premium Economy cabs, during 2021 and through 2022.

Try out the new Emirates Premium Economy Seat
Try out the new Emirates Premium Economy Seat
Emirates Premium Economy seat
Emirates Premium Economy seat

Main details

  • Pitch: up to 40 inches
  • Width: 19.5 inches
  • To lean: 8 inch
  • Seats: 56 seats
  • Place: Forward of Economy Class on the lower deck of the A380

I interviewed Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operation Officer. He said the new Premium Economy was created because of high customer demand; Emirates passengers want a product that is better than Economy while remaining affordable.

He said there are 5 more A380s with Premium Economy set to join the Emirates A380 fleet.

Over time, a further 55% of the fleet will also be retrofitted with the Premium Economy product.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operation Officer

Emirates will be flying the new A380 with Premium Economy seats on EK003 / 004 from January 4, between Dubai and London Heathrow.

Free upgrades

Emirates has stated that they will not sell these seats (as Premium Economy) until they reach a critical mass of aircraft. So for now, it’s only free upgrades for Elite Skywards members and certain paying Economy Class passengers (presumably full-fare Y-ticket passengers).

For now, no further details about the Premium Economy soft product are available, only details about the seat itself. Emirates has stated that they will not sell these seats (as Premium Economy) until they reach a critical mass of aircraft over the network.

Upgraded cabin

For the rest of the A380 cabin, Emirates has made some minor changes; however, they have chosen not to revise the layout or design.

Cabin details and finishes have also been updated; these changes range from new motifs and colors, for the sweeping steps leading from the main deck to the upper deck, to updated design finishes and modern fittings in the Shower Spa.

Kick with the Ghaf Tree, a tree that you often find in the Gulf region
Kick with the Ghaf Tree, a tree that you often find in the Gulf region
Renovated first class shower and spa on Emirates A380
Renovated first class shower and spa on Emirates A380

Business class

Emirates has kept its popular A380 Business Class seats; that provide direct access to the aisle for each passenger, recline to a completely flat position and include a minibar.

All 76 seats have been updated with champagne-colored leather covers and wood finishes inspired by executive jets, similar to the Business Class on Emirates Boeing 777 “Gamechanger” plane.

Refurbished Business Class seat in Emirates A380
Refurbished Business Class seat in Emirates A380
  • Refurbished Business Class seat in Emirates A380
  • Refurbished Business Class seat in Emirates A380
The refurbished Emirates Business Class seat is inspired by the design of an executive jet
The refurbished Emirates Business Class seat is inspired by the design of an executive jet

When I saw it in person, I was generally very impressed with the interior of the cabin; the executive jet-inspired seat fabric provides a modern and sophisticated look throughout Business Class.

A full video review of the new A380 cab is coming later this week.

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