Emirates announces a program to supply 105 aircraft with "premium tourism"
Today, at the Dubai Airshow 2021, Emirates announced that it will retrofit 105 of its modern wide-body aircraft with a "Premium Economy Class" product, in addition to making improvements to other cabins.
The 18-month modification programme, which will be implemented at the state-of-the-art Emirates Engineering Center in Dubai, is scheduled to begin in late 2022. The program includes equipping 52 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s in the Premium Economy Class cabin.
The airline is also considering installing a new Business Class product on its Boeing 777 aircraft, with 1-2-1 seats.
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said: "Our investment in the retrofit program ensures that we continue to meet the requirements of our customers, and provide the best in-flight experiences. The response of our customers to the Premium Economy Class, which we started offering about a year ago, has been absolutely amazing thanks to the luxury and comfort it provides. Just as we have done through our distinguished experiences in First Class, Business and Premium Economy, we intend to develop the latter into a distinctive flying experience unparalleled in the industry. We are also currently studying a new product for Business Class, which will be announced later."
Upon completion of the retrofit programme, Emirates' fleet will comprise a total of 111 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380s equipped with Premium Economy Class seats, including six A380s originally equipped with four classes that will be completed in December 2021.
Five rows of Economy Class seats directly behind Business Class will be removed on the Emirates Boeing 777, to install 24 seats in the Premium Economy Class cabin in a 2-4-2 split.
On the Emirates A380 aircraft, 56 seats in the Premium Economy Class cabin will be installed at the front of the lower deck, in a 2-4-2 split as well.
Emirates Premium Economy Class
Emirates Premium Economy Class is a special class in its own right.
Each seat is 40 inches wide by 19.5 inches wide and reclines 8 inches into a comfortable cradle position with ample legroom.
Each seat is covered in cream stain-resistant leather with ornate detailing and a matching wood frieze in business grade.
Each seat is designed to provide optimum comfort and support, with a 6-position adjustable headrest, leg rest and footrest.
In front of each seat is a 13.3-inch video screen, one of the largest in its class, to enjoy an unparalleled selection of music, movies, live TV, news and other content through Emirates' unique, award-winning ice information, communication and in-flight entertainment system.
Customers will also find well-thought-out touches, including easily accessible in-seat charging points, a spacious dining table and side table for drinks.
By the end of December 2021, the Emirates A380, currently equipped with a Premium Economy Class cabin, will operate on flights to Frankfurt, London Heathrow, New York JFK and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
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