Emirates is one of the great innovators in aviation and has set standards with service, product and the largest fleet of long-haul aircraft of the type Boeing 777 and Airbus A380. The latter even have showers in the first class washrooms. But when it comes to the introduction of an upscale travel class, positioned between regular economy and business class, Emirates brings up the rear even after the late Lufthansa.
Ironically, a fourth class of travel, the Premium Economy, is now being built into the last of the double-decker Airbus A380 aircraft, which will soon be out of production. At the same time as the announcement that Emirates is already parting with five of the oldest machines delivered to Emirates since 2008, the last six aircraft are being given a makeover in terms of cabin equipment.
Only 246 A380s were delivered to airlines by Airbus. Of these, Emirates has received more than any other airline with 120 aircraft. Five of them have already been shut down forever, three should be handed over by the end of May 2022.
Premium Economy Class cannot yet be booked
The third from last machine with the identification A6-EVQ has now received its interior fittings at the Finkenwerder plant, including the new Premium Economy Class, which is housed in the front part of the main deck.
Where the other A380s from Emirates have 76 Economy Class seats in this cabin section, there are now only 56 seats in 2-4-2 seats. Each passenger has 18 centimeters more leg room and a 4 centimeter wider seat.
The beige leather seats in combination with the polished imitation wood on the window walls and the folding table that can be lowered into the armrests make a noble impression. Recaro and Emirates developed the design over a period of three years.
But what the entire product – including the presentation of the meals, amenity kits or increased baggage allowance – will cost is still open. Because the offer will not be bookable before 2022.
Initially, only those with a status card in the Emirates frequent flyer program can enjoy the new travel class. With a little luck, they can receive a free upgrade if they are on the routes on which the three latest A380s are used: on the routes between Dubai and London, Paris and Zurich.
Also read:
– Dubai Miracle Garden: This hippie Airbus A380 lands in the Guinness book
– First Class in a giant Airbus So much luxury is in the hundredth Airbus A380 from Emirates
– Ex-Airbus manager John Leahy about the A380: “We clearly made a design mistake”