Emirates Takes Premium Economy to the Next Level with Electrically Powered Seats and Full-Height Privacy Screens

Premium Economy is getting a serious upgrade.

Emirates is taking its award-winning Premium Economy experience further with a new seat that gives passengers something many travellers value on a long flight — more personal space and privacy.

The airline has introduced what it describes as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, complete with a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat. The new seat will debut on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, giving passengers greater control over their personal space while travelling.

For those who like to work, dine, watch movies or simply switch off without feeling too exposed to the passengers beside them, the new design could make a noticeable difference.

More Privacy at the Touch of a Button

The new Emirates Premium Economy cabin features a spacious 2-3-2 configuration with 28 seats, with each seat measuring 20 inches wide and offering up to 39 inches of seat pitch on the A350.

The seats can also recline into a cradle position without intruding into the row behind, allowing passengers to relax or sleep more comfortably.

The standout feature is the electrically operated privacy divider.

Using the seat controls, passengers can raise or lower the full-height divider and lock it into position. This creates a more private space whether you’re settling in for a meal, catching up on work or simply trying to get some uninterrupted rest.

The seat itself is also fully electrically powered, allowing passengers to adjust their preferred seating position at the touch of a button through the integrated Passenger Control Unit. Dedicated settings such as Lounge Mode and Meal Mode make it easier to find the right position depending on what you’re doing.

Designed for Long-Haul Comfort

Emirates has also upgraded the seat with its U-Dream headrest by Safran Seats.

The leather headrest is designed to provide additional neck and head support, with adjustable wings that can be positioned according to each passenger’s preference.

A manually deployable leather footrest adds another layer of comfort, particularly when settling in for a longer flight.

And for today’s travellers, staying powered up is just as important as staying comfortable.

For the first time in Emirates Premium Economy, passengers will have access to wireless charging, alongside USB-C charging at every seat. The tray table also comes with an integrated phone holder, allowing passengers to use their smartphone as a second screen while dining or watching content.

Your Own Entertainment Screen

The new Premium Economy experience comes with Emirates’ ice inflight entertainment system displayed on a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen.

The high-definition screen is designed to deliver sharper visuals and responsive navigation, giving passengers plenty of entertainment options throughout the journey.

Passengers travelling on newly delivered A350 aircraft will also get enhanced exterior aircraft camera views. In addition to the existing forward and downward views, new left and right exterior perspectives provide a more immersive look outside the aircraft.

Premium Dining Comes to Your Seat

Emirates is also maintaining the more refined dining experience that has become part of its Premium Economy offering.

Passengers can enjoy gourmet, regionally inspired menus prepared by Emirates’ chefs and served on Royal Doulton fine china, accompanied by linen napkins and stainless-steel Robert Welch cutlery.

The beverage selection includes Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, an Australian sparkling wine served exclusively to Emirates Premium Economy customers worldwide.

The airline is also expanding its wine selection, with selected routes offering wines such as Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 and La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 from September.

From October, Emirates will introduce Wiston Estate Brut NV, its first English sparkling wine, exclusively for Premium Economy customers travelling on UK routes.

The airline says it has invested more than US$1 billion in its wine portfolio since 2006, highlighting just how seriously it takes its onboard beverage programme.

Amenity Kits Get a Sustainable Touch

On long-haul flights, Premium Economy passengers will also receive reusable amenity kits created in partnership with United for Wildlife.

The collectible bags use bio-based materials, including cactus leather alternatives, and feature designs inspired by endangered wildlife across four natural habitats.

Inside, passengers will find travel essentials such as socks, eyeshades, earplugs and a dental kit, together with Aveda plant-powered skincare products, which are being introduced to Emirates Premium Economy for the first time.

Emirates Continues to Raise the Premium Economy Bar

Since Premium Economy was introduced in 2022, Emirates has continued expanding the cabin across its fleet, and the product is now available across markets currently served by its A350 aircraft.

The airline has positioned Premium Economy as something more than simply a larger seat between Economy and Business Class, combining generous space, upgraded dining, entertainment and greater comfort.

The cabin has also picked up several awards, including Best Premium Economy Class at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2024 and 2025, as well as Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class at the 2025 ULTRAs Awards.

With its new electrically powered seat and full-height privacy screen, Emirates is once again pushing the category towards a more premium experience.

For passengers who want the comfort of Premium Economy with a little more privacy, personal space and control during the flight, the new A350 cabin could make the journey itself feel like a much bigger part of the travel experience.