Emirates has unveiled a brand-new Premium Economy for its A380, as part of a wider product enhancement and refreshed look across all cabins onboard its newest A380 aircraft.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “The Emirates A380 is already one of the most sought-after travel experiences in the skies, and now we’ve made it even better. While others cut back, Emirates is working hard to restore the products and services that we’ve had to suspend or adjust due to pandemic precautions and introduce new offerings and enhancements. True to our fly better promise, Emirates continues to invest to offer our customers the best possible experience.”
Emirates’ remaining order of five A380s will be delivered with premium economy cabins over 2021 and 2022. Emirates’ premium economy seats will also be installed on some of its Boeing 777X aircraft which are only due to join the fleet in 2023. Emirates is considering plans to retrofit its existing A380 fleet.
The premium economy cabin, located at the front of the main deck, with three lavatories dedicated to customers offers 56 seats in a 2-4-2 cabin layout.
A customised seat design from Recaro, based on the PL3530, the seat offers a pitch of up to 40-inches, 19.5 inches wide, and reclines 8 inches. According to Recaro, its PL3530 design team prioritised state-of-the-art features like the ones found in upscale German cars and combined it with the spirit of Dubai. The seat features a bronze trim, a distinct finish, and a cream-coloured leather dress cover, complete with a one-of-a-kind anti-stain leather with stitching and a wood panel finishing similar to Business Class.
First deliveries of the seats began in Q4 2020, and at least 250 shipsets will ultimately be installed on Emirates’ fleet.
The seat’s ergonomics offers best of comfort with its recline and movable calf rest enabling a highly relaxed lazy position, additional storage compartments, and six-way adjustable headrest also contribute to passenger sleeping comfort.
Each seat has a 13.3” screen and easily accessible in-seat charging points, a wide dining table and side cocktail table.
Until more Premium Economy seats enter its inventory, the airline intends to offer these as spot upgrades for its valued customers on a discretionary basis.
The aircraft’s 14 First Class private suites have also been widened and taller doors, for even more privacy and comfort.
Cabin detail and finishes have also been refreshed with new motifs and colours, including modern fittings in the Shower Spa.
Emirates has retained its A380 Business Class seats which offer direct aisle access for every passenger, reclines to a fully-flat position, and offers personal mini bars, ample personal storage and a high degree of privacy.
All 76 seats have been refreshed to feature champagne-coloured leather covers and wood finishing, inspired by executive jets, similar to the Business Class on Emirates’ Boeing 777 Gamechanger aircraft.
The same classic colour scheme has also been applied to the Onboard Lounge at the back of the upper deck, for the exclusive use of First and Business Class passengers.
The airline has also replaced all 338 Economy seats onboard its newest A380 with ergonomically designed seats that come with full leather headrests and flexible side panels which can be adjusted vertically for optimum support. Each features a wood grain finish on tray tables, as well as a 13.3” personal screen.
Throughout the A380 interior, customers will see new finishes and design touches featuring the Ghaf (prosopis cineraria) tree motif, as well as the clean and airy champagne colour scheme with wood panelling and bronze accents from Emirates’ latest Boeing 777 Gamechanger interiors.
All cabin classes are equipped with the latest generation of Emirates’ ice in-flight entertainment system offering improved and superior image quality. Each in-seat screen will feature ultra-wide viewing angles, a capacitive touch screen, LED backlight and full HD display.