Emirates unveils world’s first electric premium economy seat with full-height privacy screen
Passengers can adjust seating, privacy and charging options at the touch of a button
DUBAI – Emirates is elevating its award-winning Premium Economy experience with the launch of the world's first electrically powered Premium Economy seat, featuring a full-height adjustable privacy screen between every seat.
Debuting on newly received Airbus A350 aircraft, the new seat combines industry-leading innovation with enhanced comfort, giving customers greater control over their personal space. The development forms part of the airline's continued investment in its Premium Economy product since its launch in 2022.
Installed in the Emirates A350 Premium Economy cabin in a spacious 2-3-2 configuration with just 28 seats, the new seat introduces an electric privacy divider that extends to the full height of the seat, making it the first feature of its kind in Premium Economy cabins worldwide. Emirates Premium Economy seats are 20 inches wide, with seat pitch of up to 39 inches on the A350.
The seats also recline into a cradle position without intruding into the row behind, allowing customers to sleep and relax without reducing the space available to passengers behind them.
Adjustable privacy
Customers can raise or lower the divider using the seat controls and lock it into position, creating a more private environment for relaxing, dining or working throughout the flight.
The new seat is Emirates' first fully electrically powered Premium Economy seat. Passengers can adjust their preferred seating position at the touch of a button using the integrated Passenger Control Unit, which includes dedicated settings such as lounge mode and meal mode.
The privacy screen is designed to give passengers greater control over their surroundings while retaining the spacious feel of the Premium Economy cabin.
Comfort has also been enhanced with the introduction of Emirates' U-Dream headrest by Safran Seats. Crafted in leather, the redesigned headrest provides neck and head support, with adjustable wings that can be positioned in multiple ways for personalised comfort.
A manually deployable leather footrest provides additional support, helping passengers relax during longer flights and reducing leg fatigue.
Power at every seat
Wireless charging is also being introduced to Emirates Premium Economy for the first time, allowing customers to conveniently charge compatible devices during the flight.
Each seat also features USB-C charging and a practical tray table with an integrated phone holder. The setup allows passengers to keep their devices within easy reach and use a phone as a second screen during meals or entertainment.
The cabin's technology extends to Emirates' award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, which is available on a 13.3-inch 4K HDR touchscreen. The display offers high-definition picture quality and responsive navigation, giving Premium Economy passengers access to the airline's extensive entertainment offering.
On newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft, passengers will also have access to enhanced aircraft camera views. New left and right exterior perspectives join the existing forward and downward cameras, offering additional views of the aircraft and its surroundings during the journey.
Dining and drinks
The new seat forms part of a broader Premium Economy experience that includes gourmet, regionally inspired menus prepared by Emirates' chefs.
Meals are served on Royal Doulton fine china with linen napkins and stainless-steel Robert Welch cutlery. Customers are also offered a selection of premium beverages, including Chandon Vintage Brut 2021, an Australian sparkling wine available exclusively to Emirates Premium Economy customers worldwide.
The airline is also expanding its drinks selection for Premium Economy passengers. From September, customers travelling on select routes may be served Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024, highlighting the characteristics of Chardonnay from Burgundy, or La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 from Bordeaux's Pessac-Léognan appellation.
October will bring another first for Emirates, with Wiston Estate Brut NV becoming the airline's first English sparkling wine. It will be served exclusively in Premium Economy on UK routes.
The additions form part of Emirates' wider wine programme, backed by more than US$1 billion invested in the airline's wine portfolio since 2006.
Kits and skincare
On long-haul flights, Premium Economy customers also receive exclusive reusable amenity kits created in partnership with United for Wildlife.
The collectible bags are made using bio-based materials, including cactus leather alternatives, and feature designs celebrating endangered wildlife across four natural habitats.
The latest kits also introduce plant-powered skincare products from Aveda to Premium Economy for the first time. Each kit contains travel essentials including socks, eyeshades, earplugs and a dental kit, while sustainable materials are used throughout the collection.
The amenity kits add another layer to the cabin's focus on comfort and practicality, particularly for customers travelling on longer journeys.
Expanding the cabin
Since Emirates launched Premium Economy in 2022, the airline has continued expanding the cabin across its fleet. The product is now available across all markets currently served by A350 aircraft.
Inspired by the airline's signature Business Class experience, Emirates Premium Economy combines spacious seating, generous legroom, refined dining and inflight entertainment. The cabin has also received several international awards, including ‘Best Premium Economy Class’ at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2024 and 2025.
Emirates was also named ‘Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class’ at the 2025 ULTRAs Awards.
The introduction of the electrically powered Premium Economy seat with a full-height privacy screen adds another feature to Emirates' long-running investment in cabin innovation. The airline has previously highlighted its developments in onboard connectivity, inflight Wi-Fi, entertainment systems and customer comfort as part of its wider effort to enhance the passenger experience.
The new seats will debut aboard newly received Airbus A350 aircraft as Emirates continues to expand and develop its Premium Economy offering.