Jacqui Young flies Emirates to Dubai and experiences its newest cabin class, Premium Economy. She also chats with an airline representative who tells us more about it.
I recently had the pleasure of travelling between Singapore and Dubai with Emirates in their Premium Economy cabin. The airline is already known for its high standard of service, and Premium Economy is no exception. The cabin itself is quieter and less crowded than Economy, the design feels more intimate, with soft overhead mood lighting and a greater sense of privacy. The cushioned leather seats are so comfortable, and the recline gave me lots more relaxation space. I particularly enjoyed the latest upgraded inflight entertainment system (known as “ice”), complete with a 13.3-inch HD TV. The latest A380 also features a higher speed Wi-Fi service.
This is a standout for those seeking more space and comfort without the price tag of Business class. The service and amenities offered in this cabin class make it a great option, whether you’re flying between Singapore and Dubai or on any other route where it’s offered.
I spoke with RASHED ALFAJEER, Emirates’ Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei, about the offerings.
How is your Premium Economy class different from other airlines?
Since its global launch in 2022, Emirates’ Premium Economy has been a hit with customers and industry experts, picking up several awards along the way. This success comes down to our ability to offer a travel experience that is a lot closer to the luxury and comfort of Business Class at a competitive fare.
The cabin is designed with our passengers in mind, offering plenty of space to work or relax with generous seat pitch and width. The seats are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. Handy features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table add to the convenience, while curated inflight amenities, a creative menu, and a wide selection of beverages – including Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, exclusively available in Emirates Premium Economy – elevate the journey. And, of course, there is our awardwinning inflight entertainment system, packed with movies, TV shows, music, and games to keep everyone entertained.
The recognition speaks volumes too – we have won Best Premium Economy Class at the 2024 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards, been named Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class at the 2024 Business Traveller Middle East Awards, and took home the title of Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East at the Skytrax World Airline Awards this year.
What trends are you seeing in customer demand for this class?
We recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the debut of Emirates Premium Economy in Singapore this past June. The demand has been very positive. Between June 2023 and May 2024, we welcomed 26,000 passengers in Premium Economy on nearly 730 four-class A380 flights between Singapore and Dubai. The offering has been particularly popular with families and solo travellers, who appreciate the extra comfort and value it offers. Top outbound destinations for Premium Economy passengers from Singapore include London, Dubai, and New York, reflecting a strong demand for enhanced travel experiences on long-haul routes.
How has the growth of Premium Economy impacted your other cabin classes?
It complements our other classes. Each class is thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers, offering features and experiences tailored to different preferences and budgets.
Economy Class remains a great choice for those seeking exceptional value without compromising on comfort, while Business Class continues to cater to travellers who desire elevated luxury and premium services. Premium Economy provides an ideal middle ground for those looking for a little extra comfort and amenities without moving to a higher price point.
This balanced offering allows us to serve a broader range of customer needs, ensuring that every traveller finds the right option for their journey.
What kind of partnerships or collaborations do you explore to enhance the Premium Economy experience?
At Emirates, we carefully curate partnerships with renowned brands to ensure our passengers enjoy exclusive, high-quality offerings. A prime example is our collaboration with Chandon, featuring the Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, which is available only to Emirates Premium Economy passengers worldwide. This exclusive champagne adds a sophisticated touch to the travel experience.
We also ensure that every element of Premium Economy exudes luxury and attention to detail. Passengers indulge in gourmet meals served on Royal Doulton china tableware, for example, with stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen, creating a dining experience that would rival the elegance of a fine restaurant.
What’s next for Premium Economy on Emirates?
Over the next five to 10 years, we see Premium Economy continuing to grow as a key part of the travel experience for passengers. Currently, our focus is on our ambitious cabin retrofit programme – we’re upgrading our A380s and Boeing 777s with best-inclass products across every cabin. This includes plans to install 24 of the latest Premium Economy seats on each retrofitted B777. By the time the last aircraft completes the retrofit programme, we will have installed 8,104 next-generation Premium Economy seats across 191 aircraft.
Our upcoming fleet of A350-900s will also be equipped with the Premium Economy product, allowing us to reach to more and more markets.
We stay closely attuned to customers’ needs and desires, and will continue to make the necessary investment to enhance our offerings and evolve with time.
Premium Economy on the Emirates to Dubai route is a great choice for travellers from Singapore who want more space and comfort but don’t want to stretch to business class fares. It offers an excellent balance of luxury and affordability, with top-notch service, delicious meals, and excellent in-flight entertainment. While it may not have the full business class experience, it certainly provides a high level of comfort and convenience for a relatively reasonable price.
This article on flying Emirates to Dubai first appeared in the January 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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