Emirates is showcasing a new electrically controlled Premium Economy seat designed to give passengers greater privacy and more control over their seating position.
The seat is being displayed at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai and will be introduced on newly delivered Airbus A350 aircraft.
According to an Emirates announcement, the upgraded Premium Economy cabin will contain 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration.
Each seat will be 20 inches wide and offer a pitch of up to 39 inches.
What “electric seat” means
The announcement does not mean the aircraft itself is electrically powered.
Passengers will be able to adjust the seat electronically through an integrated control unit. Preset options will include lounge and meal modes, while the cradle-style recline has been designed to avoid intruding into the space of the passenger behind.
The main feature is a full-height privacy divider between adjoining seats. Passengers can raise, lower and lock the divider electronically, allowing them to create a more private space or keep it lowered when travelling with a companion.
Emirates describes the product as the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seat. That claim requires qualification.
Japan Airlines announced in October 2023 that its Airbus A350-1000 would contain the world’s first Premium Economy seats with electrically operated reclining functions. Those aircraft entered commercial service in 2024.
Emirates’ clearer industry first is therefore the electrically adjustable, full-height privacy divider, rather than electrically controlled Premium Economy seating in general.
Charging and entertainment upgrades
The new Emirates seat will also include wireless phone charging, a USB-C charging port and a tray table with an integrated phone holder.
Passengers will have access to a 13.3-inch 4K HDR entertainment screen. The airline is also adding side-facing exterior cameras to newly delivered A350 aircraft, alongside existing forward and downward views.
Other features include Emirates’ U-Dream adjustable leather headrest and a leg rest intended to provide additional support during longer flights.
Independent reporting by Business Insider described the design as an attempt to bring some traditionally Business Class features, particularly privacy and electronic seat controls, into the Premium Economy cabin.
Routes have not been confirmed
Emirates has said the seats will appear on newly delivered A350 aircraft, but it has not confirmed the first routes or provided a complete introduction timetable.
Passengers travelling between Africa, Dubai and the United Kingdom should therefore not assume that every Emirates A350 or Premium Economy service will offer the new product. The aircraft type and cabin configuration should be checked before booking.
