Emirates adds premium economy cabin on all A380 flights between Dubai and New York

The new seats in Premium Economy are 19.5 inches wide with an eight-inch recline and a pitch of 40 inches. Arranged in a 2-4-2 layout with cream leather upholstery and wood veneer tables, these seats provide more space than standard economy offerings. Additional features include calf rests, adjustable headrests, leg support cushions, USB and AC power outlets, and personal entertainment screens measuring 13.3 inches.

Passengers also receive amenities such as plush blankets and amenity kits on longer flights. Meals are served on china with metal cutlery and linen napkins; wines are selected from Emirates’ cellar. “While not quite the multi-course affair of business class, the service level is significantly above the industry average for Premium Economy,” according to Wander Up Front.

The introduction of Premium Economy on all A380 New York services follows several years of retrofitting aircraft as part of Emirates’ $2 billion cabin upgrade initiative that began in 2021. The program covers both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s in the fleet. Each retrofit involves stripping out existing interiors at Emirates’ engineering hub in Dubai before installing new seating arrangements and lighting systems throughout both decks.

Operationally, having a uniform cabin across every rotation simplifies scheduling for crews while providing frequent flyers with consistent experiences regardless of which flight they book.

Pricing for Premium Economy typically falls 60–70% below business class fares but offers amenities comparable to older-generation business products found elsewhere in the industry.

Looking ahead, Emirates plans further expansion of its refreshed cabins across more than 120 aircraft over coming years—with Boeing 777s next in line for upgrades—and aims to introduce Premium Economy on additional North American routes such as Los Angeles or San Francisco.

“Travelers now seek flexibility — something between the price of economy and the indulgence of business class,” an official statement notes regarding shifting passenger expectations.

The latest update positions Emirates’ A380 fleet as central to its premium offering for at least another decade while reinforcing its reputation for high-quality passenger experience.