Emirates has launched an industry first on 14 September 2026. During the Arabian Travel Market 2026 trade show, the airline unveiled its new Premium Economy seats with an electrically powered privacy divider.
Emirates is constantly trying to upgrade its passenger experience. In July 2026, the airline launched a multi-way adjustable headrest for Economy Class passengers. The feature is to be rolled out across its fleet by the end of 2026 and is meant to be “a game-changing new seat addition”.
During the Arabian Travel Market 2026 (ATM), which runs until 16 September 2026, the carrier announced yet another upgrade to its fleet. The so-called A350 fully electric Premium Economy seat will be equipped with a full-height privacy divider, an industry first. The feature will offer Premium Economy passengers more privacy than ever at the press of a fingertip through a set of integrated seat controls.
This is the next generation Emirates Premium Economy. pic.twitter.com/JpF0x1Rapd
— Emirates (@emirates) September 5, 2026
The novelty will be present across the carrier’s new Airbus A350 aircraft in a 2-3-2 configuration. The Premium Economy class will offer just 28 electric seats, each seat being 50.8 centimetres wide and offering up to 99 centimetres of pitch. When reminded in cradle position, the seats do not intrude into the row behind. The seat adjustments will be available through the Passenger Control Unit, with dedicated settings for lounge and meal modes.
During the opening of ATM, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, tried the new A350 fully electric Premium Economy first-hand.
Alongside the divider and positioning buttons, the Airbus 350 Premium Economy seat offers preset lounge and meal seating positions, the airline’s industry-first U-Dream leather headrest, wireless charging, USB-C power charging, a 13.3-inch 4K HDR screen, and numerous other touches. The experience is rounded off with a welcome drink, amenity kits, elegant dishes served on Royal Doulton China, accompanied by an extensive speciality beverage list.
Aside from the launch of the new Premium Economy seat, Emirates also signed seven Memoranda of Understanding with tourism boards across the Indian Ocean, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the UAE during the first day of ATM. Moreover, the airline took the opportunity to renew agreements with technology and retail partners.
Finally, Emirates shared some up-to-date statistics regarding 2026.
“Emirates has closed the summer season ahead of expectations and enters winter with strong booking momentum across a broadening range of markets, as the airline continues to invest in its fleet and industry-leading products, in its global network, and in offering customers greater booking flexibility and comprehensive travel cover,” the airline stated.
The data show that Emirates carried over 8.6 million passengers between July and August, while arrivals into Dubai on Emirates in the second half of August alone were up 7% on the same period in 2025. Premium Economy is available on 137 aircraft as of 14 September 2026 and 18 aircraft have been delivered since January, with six more A350s arriving before year-end. Emirates is planning on continuing to expand its network heading into winter, with new destinations, additional frequencies and more of its latest aircraft deployed across key markets. Helsinki is set to join the Emirates network on 1 October.
