I toured Emirates' swanky new premium economy on its Airbus A380 and I am thrilled that it has finally come to the US — take a look

Taylor RainsMay 29, 2023, 18:16 IST

I was impressed with Emirates first-ever premium economy, which deployed on its A380 in the US market on May 1.Taylor Rains/Insider

Emirates' new premium economy product on its Airbus A380s entered the US market on May 1.
The equipped superjumbos are currently flying between Dubai and both New York and San Francisco.

Emirates unveiled its first-ever premium economy product in December 2020, showcasing an elegant design with beige and wood-like finishings.

Deployed on the carrier's Airbus A380 planes, the product launched on flights in August 2022 and has since made its way to the US market.

Currently, travelers can see the cabin on select flights between Dubai and New York and Dubai and San Francisco, which launched on May 1 and May 11, respectively.

According to an Emirates spokesperson, 67 of the company's 119 A380s are getting a premium economy cabin as part of a multi-billion refurbishment project. 53 Boeing 777s will also get the new cabin.

Insider toured Emirates' A380 superjumbo at an event at JFK International Airport on Tuesday to learn more about the new premium economy product — take a look.

Emirates' premium economy product is located on the lower level of the A380 and is configured in a 2x4x2 layout — similar to its regular economy class.

Emirates premium economy.Emirates

But, it comes with added perks that set it apart. These include a legrest and deep recline…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a footrest…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…a foldable tray table that stores in the armrest...

Taylor Rains/Insider

...a small table in between pairs of seats...

Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable headrest…

Taylor Rains/Insider

...three different window shade settings...

Taylor Rains/Insider

…thick linens that complement the seat's padded cushioning…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a 13.3-inch seatback TV loaded with thousands of movies, TV shows, and other entertainment. It is easily one of the nicer ones I've seen on an airline.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Beneath the screen, travelers will find a set of power ports as well as buttons to control the monitor.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, there are a few storage spaces, including beside the seat…

Taylor Rains/Insider

...between the footrests...

Taylor Rains/Insider

...and on the seatback. None of the slots are huge, but they'll hold things like books, snacks, and charging cables.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Premium economy passengers will also be treated to more meal options, including things like a grilled chicken fillet and bocconcini salad for lunch...

Taylor Rains/Insider

...and pancakes with fruit for breakfast.

Taylor Rains/Insider

According to Emirates' US and Canada divisional vice president Essa Sulaiman Ahmed, the carrier's current business class was the inspiration for the new premium economy cabin.

Taylor Rains/Insider

According to Emirates' US and Canada divisional vice president Essa Sulaiman Ahmed, the carrier's current business class was the inspiration for the new premium economy cabin.

Walking through the jet, I could see the complementary colors and patterns that create a cohesive look throughout the entire plane.

The business class wood-like finishing complements premium economy.Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also particularly impressed with the wood-like paneling along the fuselage wall, giving the aircraft a more homey feel.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While premium economy is still not nearly as luxurious as Emirates' business class, which comes with amenities like an onboard bar and lounge…

Taylor Rains/Insider

…it is still a more cost-effective option for those looking for a more luxurious alternative to regular economy — and Emirates is hoping the seat can capture this demand.

Taylor Rains/Insider

…it is still a more cost-effective option for those looking for a more luxurious alternative to regular economy — and Emirates is hoping the seat can capture this demand.

"We realized there's a huge gap between economy and business," Ahmed told Insider. "After looking at what lacks on other premium economy [airline] products, we started looking at our own customers and what they would need that's different."

Taylor Rains/Insider

"We realized there's a huge gap between economy and business," Ahmed told Insider. "After looking at what lacks on other premium economy [airline] products, we started looking at our own customers and what they would need that's different."

He specifically noted the sleek inflight screens, the thousands of screening options, the 40 inches of pitch, and the 19.5-inch-wide seat.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, he said the decision to introduce the cabin in the US was simply market opportunity, noting customers are more likely to upgrade from economy to premium economy on these 15+ hour flights for comfort and rest.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, he said the decision to introduce the cabin in the US was simply market opportunity, noting customers are more likely to upgrade from economy to premium economy on these 15+ hour flights for comfort and rest.

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I toured Emirates' swanky new premium economy on its Airbus A380 and I am thrilled that it has finally come to the US &mdash; take a look

Emirates' premium economy product is located on the lower level of the A380 and is configured in a 2x4x2 layout — similar to its regular economy class.

But, it comes with added perks that set it apart. These include a legrest and deep recline…

…a footrest…

…a foldable tray table that stores in the armrest...

...a small table in between pairs of seats...

…an adjustable headrest…

...three different window shade settings...

…thick linens that complement the seat's padded cushioning…

…and a 13.3-inch seatback TV loaded with thousands of movies, TV shows, and other entertainment. It is easily one of the nicer ones I've seen on an airline.

Beneath the screen, travelers will find a set of power ports as well as buttons to control the monitor.

Meanwhile, there are a few storage spaces, including beside the seat…

...between the footrests...

...and on the seatback. None of the slots are huge, but they'll hold things like books, snacks, and charging cables.

Premium economy passengers will also be treated to more meal options, including things like a grilled chicken fillet and bocconcini salad for lunch...

...and pancakes with fruit for breakfast.

According to Emirates' US and Canada divisional vice president Essa Sulaiman Ahmed, the carrier's current business class was the inspiration for the new premium economy cabin.

Walking through the jet, I could see the complementary colors and patterns that create a cohesive look throughout the entire plane.

I was also particularly impressed with the wood-like paneling along the fuselage wall, giving the aircraft a more homey feel.

While premium economy is still not nearly as luxurious as Emirates' business class, which comes with amenities like an onboard bar and lounge…

…it is still a more cost-effective option for those looking for a more luxurious alternative to regular economy — and Emirates is hoping the seat can capture this demand.

"We realized there's a huge gap between economy and business," Ahmed told Insider. "After looking at what lacks on other premium economy [airline] products, we started looking at our own customers and what they would need that's different."

He specifically noted the sleek inflight screens, the thousands of screening options, the 40 inches of pitch, and the 19.5-inch-wide seat.

Meanwhile, he said the decision to introduce the cabin in the US was simply market opportunity, noting customers are more likely to upgrade from economy to premium economy on these 15+ hour flights for comfort and rest.

I toured Emirates' swanky new premium economy on its Airbus A380 and I am thrilled that it has finally come to the US — take a look