Emirates is taking its Premium Economy product another step forward with a new electrically powered seat that introduces a full-height adjustable privacy screen between passengers. The innovation will debut aboard newly delivered Airbus A350-900 aircraft, giving the Dubai-based carrier another distinctive feature in an increasingly competitive premium travel market.
The new seat represents more than a cosmetic upgrade. Emirates says passengers will be able to control the privacy divider directly from their seat, raising it to full height before it locks into position. The electrically operated system is designed to create a more personal environment without requiring passengers to sacrifice the spaciousness and openness associated with Premium Economy.
Emirates already offers one of the industry’s more substantial Premium Economy products. On the A350, the cabin uses a 2-3-2 configuration and contains only 28 seats, creating a relatively intimate cabin compared with conventional Economy layouts. Emirates is also currently the only member of the Gulf’s major three-carrier group—alongside Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways—to offer Premium Economy as a dedicated cabin.
World’s First Electrically Powered Premium Economy Seat
The most notable feature is the electric privacy screen, which extends the full height of the seat. Rather than manually adjusting a divider, passengers can use integrated seat controls to raise the screen and establish a more private space around their seat. Emirates describes the system as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat incorporating this type of full-height privacy feature.
The technology builds upon an already generous seating specification. Emirates’ A350 Premium Economy seats are approximately 20 inches wide and offer up to 39 inches of pitch. They recline into a cradle-style position designed to provide additional relaxation while limiting the amount of intrusion into the space of passengers seated behind.
Comfort also receives attention through the U-Dream headrest by Safran. Its redesigned leather construction provides additional neck and head support, while adjustable wings allow passengers to customize the position. Leather footrests complete the relaxation-focused design, particularly useful during long-haul journeys where maintaining a comfortable posture can significantly affect fatigue levels.
More Technology at Every Seat
The upgraded Premium Economy experience is not limited to privacy. Emirates is introducing wireless charging for the first time in its Premium Economy cabin, allowing compatible smartphones and other devices to remain powered without occupying a USB connection.
Passengers will also receive USB-C charging outlets, while the redesigned tray table incorporates a dedicated phone holder. That small addition can make a meaningful difference during a long flight, allowing a smartphone to function as a convenient second screen while the main entertainment system remains available.
Entertainment itself is centered around a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen, delivering high-resolution imagery with enhanced contrast. The new A350 aircraft will also feature improved external camera views, including left- and right-side perspectives of the aircraft. These views should be particularly engaging during takeoff and landing, giving passengers a perspective normally unavailable from the cabin windows.
Premium Dining and Long-Haul Amenities
Emirates has positioned Premium Economy as more than simply a larger seat. The cabin includes a meal and beverage service designed to approach the quality associated with higher premium classes. Gourmet meals, developed with trained chefs, are served on fine china with linen napkins, while selected beverages complement the dining experience.
One distinctive offering is Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, an Australian sparkling wine served exclusively to Emirates Premium Economy passengers. On long-haul services, travelers also receive reusable amenity kits created through the airline’s partnership with United for Wildlife. The kits use bio-based materials and feature wildlife-inspired designs alongside plant-based skincare products.
Airbus A350 Fleet Expands
The new Premium Economy seat arrives as Emirates continues expanding its Airbus A350 fleet. The airline already operates more than two dozen A350-900s, with another 45 aircraft on order. These aircraft are being introduced in regional and ultra-long-haul configurations across selected destinations in the Emirates network.
The electrically powered seat therefore forms part of a broader investment rather than a standalone cabin experiment. By combining privacy, greater connectivity, premium dining and high-quality entertainment, Emirates is strengthening a product aimed at travelers willing to pay more for a substantial improvement over Economy.
For Emirates, the new A350 Premium Economy seat also reinforces its long-standing “Fly Better” philosophy. A powered privacy screen may appear to be a relatively small technological advancement, but within a carefully designed cabin, it can fundamentally change how passengers experience personal space during a long flight.
