Emirates Debuts World-First Electric Premium Economy Seat with Full-Height Privacy Screen
Emirates has raised the bar for mid-tier long-haul flying with the launch of what it calls the world's first electrically powered Premium Economy seat fitted with a full-height adjustable privacy screen. The new product, unveiled on the airline's freshly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, brings a fresh sense of comfort and personal space to a cabin class that has been steadily gaining popularity among African travellers seeking value without sacrificing quality.
The upgraded seat represents Emirates' most ambitious investment yet in its Premium Economy offering, giving passengers unprecedented control over their inflight environment while introducing new features that improve comfort, connectivity and overall enjoyment. For African travel professionals selling long-haul itineraries to Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond, this evolution offers a strong selling point for clients who want more than standard economy but are not ready to pay full business class fares.
The A350 Premium Economy cabin features 28 seats arranged in a spacious 2-3-2 configuration, with each seat measuring 20 inches wide and offering up to 39 inches of pitch. The seats recline into a cradle position without encroaching on the passenger seated behind, allowing guests to rest properly without the awkward seat-back battles typical of long-haul flying. The standout feature, however, is the electrically operated privacy divider, which Emirates confirms is the first of its kind in any Premium Economy cabin globally. Passengers can raise, lower and lock the full-height partition at the touch of a button, creating a personal cocoon ideal for working, dining or sleeping in peace.
This is also Emirates' first fully electrically powered Premium Economy seat. Through an integrated Passenger Control Unit, travellers can shift between preset positions including lounge mode and meal mode, tailoring the seat to suit every stage of the journey. Comfort is further enhanced by the introduction of the U-Dream headrest developed with Safran Seats, featuring adjustable leather wings that provide targeted neck and head support. A manually deployed leather footrest helps reduce leg fatigue on the longer sectors African travellers often endure when connecting through Dubai.
Connectivity has received a serious upgrade too. Premium Economy passengers now enjoy wireless charging for the first time, alongside USB-C ports and a clever tray-table phone holder that turns a smartphone into a handy second screen. Entertainment is delivered through a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen displaying Emirates' award-winning ice system, with the aircraft also introducing enhanced external camera views showing left and right perspectives in addition to the existing forward and downward angles.
Dining remains a signature strength. Regionally inspired menus are served on Royal Doulton fine china with linen napkins and Robert Welch stainless-steel cutlery. Beverage highlights include the exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut 2021 Australian sparkling wine, with new pours such as Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 and La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 rolling out from September. In October, Emirates plans to introduce Wiston Estate Brut NV as its first English sparkling wine, served exclusively in Premium Economy on UK routes. The airline notes it has invested over US\$1 billion in its wine portfolio since 2006.
Long-haul passengers also receive reusable amenity kits developed with United for Wildlife, crafted from bio-based materials including cactus leather alternatives and featuring designs honouring endangered species. For the first time, the kits include plant-powered Aveda skincare products, alongside socks, eyeshades, earplugs and dental essentials.
Since launching Premium Economy in 2022, Emirates has expanded the product across all A350 routes and collected multiple industry accolades, including Best Premium Economy Class at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in both 2024 and 2025. For African trade partners, this latest innovation reinforces Emirates' status as a premium partner of choice and opens fresh opportunities to upsell discerning clients who value privacy, comfort and quality on their journeys abroad.
