67 Emirates aircraft upgraded as Premium Economy network widens globally
Skywards members gain access to Classic and Upgrade Rewards
DUBAI – Emirates has unveiled major updates to its fleet and loyalty programme, strengthening its position as the only airline in the region offering Premium Economy.
As part of its multi-billion dollar project to refurbish 219 aircraft, the airline has already rolled out 67 fully modernised planes, including 32 Airbus A380s and 35 Boeing 777s, now featuring the Premium Economy cabin. Additionally, Emirates has welcomed nine Airbus A350s equipped with the new cabin, with 56 more set to join its fleet in the coming months.
By March 2026, Emirates expects to serve 68 cities with Premium Economy-equipped aircraft. The airline will offer nearly 2 million Premium Economy seats annually across its network, with that figure projected to double to 4 million by the end of 2026.
What is changing?
Onboard layouts vary by aircraft type. The A380 accommodates 56 Premium Economy seats at the front of the main deck in a 2-4-2 configuration. The Boeing 777 is fitted with up to 24 seats in the same 2-4-2 layout, while the A350 features 28 seats positioned at the front of the cabin in a 2-3-2 arrangement.
Passengers can expect cream-coloured leather seats with up to 40 inches of pitch, calf rests and footrests, generous meals paired with a premium wine selection, and Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice. The upgraded system offers a 13.3-inch screen – among the largest in its class – with more than 6,500 channels of films, music, TV and news.
The Premium Economy cabin has already earned international recognition, winning ‘Best Premium Economy’ at the AirlineRatings.com and Airline Excellence Awards 2024.
How will Skywards rewards apply?
Emirates Skywards, the loyalty programme shared with flydubai, has now introduced flight rewards for Premium Economy. With more than 35 million members worldwide, Skywards is offering Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards redemption on all Emirates Premium Economy cabins.
Members can redeem Miles to purchase Premium Economy tickets starting from 15,000 Miles one-way. Upgrade requests from Economy to Premium Economy begin from 7,020 Miles one-way. Upgrades can be secured before departure or requested at the check-in desk, subject to availability.
Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the introduction of flight rewards on Emirates’ highly coveted Premium Economy cabin. This has been in development for some time and comes following the huge success, positive feedback, and strong demand by members to utilise Miles on Premium Economy – especially on popular long-haul destinations such as London, Sydney, Melbourne, and New York.”
He added that the offer will initially be available exclusively to Skywards members, with plans to extend to airline partners in the future.
How will travellers benefit?
Emirates Skywards has also expanded Classic Rewards on all flydubai flights, starting from 5,000 Miles, and adjusted its Cash+Miles redemption rates. During the summer travel period of June to August 2025, nearly 500,000 tickets were redeemed using Classic Rewards, Cash+Miles, and Upgrade Rewards, covering popular destinations such as London, Paris, New York and Bangkok.
Premium Economy passengers will also benefit from dedicated check-in counters, enhanced dining options, and inflight comfort that rivals many airlines’ Business Class products. With availability already on flights to more than 66 cities worldwide, Emirates continues to redefine the mid-tier travel segment with its signature cabin experience.