Emirates launches new Premium Economy Experience: 'Comfortable seats'
Emirates has replaced 88 Economy seats with 56 Premium Economy seats. Here's a first look.
In the movie Sex And The City 2, the fictitious airline that flew the ladies to Abu Dhabi for their extravagant getaway was supposedly inspired by an Emirates plane.
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Now, if you want to experience a bit of luxury and lavishness without breaking the bank, look to Emirates' newly launched upgraded four-class A380 aircraft, currently deployed on flights EK 354 and EK 355 between Singapore and Dubai. Specifically, the United Arab Emirates carrier has outfitted its A380 planes with 56 premium economy seats each, offering passengers the option of a more comfortable flight.
Here are what you can expect when you fly Premium Economy on Emirates' A380 aircraft:
Spacious seats on the A380 Premium Economy
Set in a 2-4-2 configuration, expect plush cream-coloured 49.5 cm-wide seats with a pitch of up to 101.6cm fitted with a 6-way adjustable headrest. Passengers can recline 20.32cm into a cradle position with ample room to stretch out on calf rests and footrests for additional comfort, as well as accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table.
Wood panels similar to Business class give the finishing touch to the Premium Economy class.
What I thought about it
We were invited to a plane tour and had a chance to kick back on the brand Premium Economy seats when it first landed in Singapore.
The seats felt very comfortable to sit on, like a good ergonomic armchair, with plenty of little thoughtful storage space that I appreciate. There's one below the screen where you can stow a notebook, pens and peripherals; a back seat pocket for water bottle and more; a storage space between the front seats where you can find and slot the headphones into; and finally, personal storage where you can stow your phone and smaller objects.
The generous recline felt like both a blessing and a curse. I was slightly taken aback when an unsuspecting media reclined into my space, and I realised that if I didn't recline as well, I'd have to get used to a similar distance between the screen and my eyes as Economy class. The comfort of the additional space advertised ultimately rests on considerate passengers, which we all know can be a hit-and-miss.
Apart from that, whether or not the cream-coloured seats can remain as pristine as they currently look also remains to be seen.
A dining experience akin to Business Class
Incorporating elements inspired by Business Class, customers will be welcomed onboard with a welcome drink in fine glassware. Meals are served on chinaware, accompanied by stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen napkins. The drinks menu will include a selection of beverages, including premium wines and a sparkling Chandon Vintage Brut 2016 wine exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy customers. There are also liqueurs available after meals, with chocolates.
Comfort
Customers can get comfortable under soft, sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, and snuggle into the generously sized pillow, both designed specifically for Premium Economy. They can also refresh themselves with the complimentary amenity kits, which come in reusable, sustainable bags, and contain items that are all made with some element of recycled or sustainable materials.
Peripheral experiences include a dedicated check-in area for Premium Economy at Dubai International airport, and in-flight entertainment of up to 6,500 music channels, movies, TV, news, and other content on Emirates’ award-winning ice.
Booking a flight with Emirates
Fares for Emirates’ premium economy class start from S$1,729; final prices are subject to market dynamics.
Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, the Emirates App, at Emirates sales offices, and via both online and offline travel agents.
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