Emirates Expands Premium Economy Across Global Network

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Emirates has announced a series of aircraft deployments and product upgrades across its network, extending the reach of Premium Economy and delivering a more consistent experience for customers. The airline is set to complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April, reconfiguring the aircraft into a three-class layout featuring 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 437 Economy Class seats. Emirates also plans to operate Premium Economy on key routes to New York, Zurich, Milan, and Dublin in the coming months.

Why it matters

The introduction of Premium Economy across Emirates' network reflects the growing demand for more premium travel options, as passengers seek enhanced comfort and amenities beyond standard Economy Class. This move also aligns with broader industry trends, as airlines work to differentiate their product offerings and cater to the evolving preferences of modern travelers.

The details

As part of its ongoing retrofit program, Emirates will complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April, reconfiguring the aircraft into a three-class layout. The upgraded A380 will first operate flights between Dubai and Amman, before moving to Prague. By November, Emirates expects to have retrofitted all 15 of its two-class A380s into the new three-class configuration. Additionally, Emirates will deploy Premium Economy on key routes to New York JFK, Zurich, Milan, and Dublin in the coming months, offering more than 1,500 weekly Premium Economy seats to and from Zurich.

• The first upgraded A380 will operate flights EK903/904 between Dubai and Amman from 14 April to 31 May.
• The first upgraded A380 will then operate flights EK139/140 between Dubai and Prague from 1 June.
• Emirates expects to have retrofitted all 15 of its two-class A380s into the new three-class configuration by November.
• Emirates will operate a four-class A380 featuring Premium Economy on flights EK085/086 to and from Zurich starting 1 March.
• Emirates will operate flights EK101/102 with a retrofitted, three-class Boeing 777-200LR fitted with Premium Economy to and from Milan starting 10 May.
• Emirates will operate flights EK165/166 with a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR featuring Premium Economy to and from Dublin starting 25 October.

What’s next

Emirates will continue to roll out its Premium Economy product across more routes and aircraft in the coming months, providing passengers with more choice and enhanced travel experiences.