Emirates has finally launched its new premium economy cabin in Melbourne – and Aussies are all for it.
While the new seat class already launched in Sydney last year much to the delight of passengers, the airline, which is one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, announced the debut of its plush new cabin in Melbourne on Thursday.
Featuring cream leather seats and a wood veneer, the cabin offers a “signature experience unmatched in the industry”, according to the airline.
It’s part of its multimillion-dollar retrofit program, where a total of 126 aircraft, including 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, will be fitted out with premium economy cabins.
“This is an exciting period for Emirates in Australia, with Melbourne and Sydney sitting at the forefront of Emirates’ biggest investment in cabin redesign to date,” Emirates divisional vice president Australasia Barry Brown said.
“We have a strong commitment to Australia, as one of our most important markets on our global network.”
Three services in Australia now offer Emirates’ premium economy cabin, all found on four-class A380 planes.
For Melbourne travellers, the cabin is available daily on flight EK406/EK407.
Meanwhile, for Sydney travellers, it’s available on EK412/EK413, as well as on EK414/EK415.
Melbourne is now the fifth city in Emirates’ network to provide premium economy, joining Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch and London.
Inside the cabins
On a four-class Emirates A380 flying from Melbourne or Sydney, the premium economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration.
The spacious, plush leather seats, each 50cm, also have a six-way adjustable headrests, a footrest and a decent recline (20cm into cradle position).
Each seat also has a 13.3-inch (33.8cm) screen, one of the largest in its class.
And something that’s always a winner – in-seat charging points.
It has a luxe walnut-look side cocktail table with the decor inspired by Emirates’ private jet service, with cream-coloured leather and a wood panel finishing similar to business class.
Travellers will also be offered sustainable blankets, pillows and amenity kits on longer flights that contain socks, eyeshades, a toothbrush, toothpaste and bookmark.
There’s also 35kg baggage allowance.
The food
The moment you board you get served a welcome drink “in fine glassware” and a selection of meals made with seasonal ingredients, served on Royal Doulton china tableware with stainless steel cutlery.
The beverage list includes vintage wines from Emirates’ business class list, including a Chandon Vintage Brut 2016.
Aussies have flooded social media raving about the new cabins with many eager to try it.
“Emirates, the best premium economy – we loved our experience travelling to UK/Europe. The best airline,” one person wrote.
“I’m flying Emirates from now on! Lol,” another joked, tagging their friend.
“Well worth the extra cost!” a third added.
Price
It depends on when are where you are flying, but based on booking a one-way Melbourne-London flight via Dubai in October 2023, the new premium economy will set you back about $2200.
If you were to book the same flight in economy it’s around $900, while in business it’s roughly $4500 (prices subject to change).
“I flew in their premium economy from Sydney to London via Dubai last August and it was well worth the cost!” one person wrote on Facebook.
An Emirates spokesperson told news.com.au prices are always determined by market dynamics, including supply and demand, as well as a range of other factors.
“We offer competitive fares in premium economy for our customers. We’re seeing unparalleled demand from Australia for premium products, so the rollout of our premium economy experience builds on Emirates’ reputation of making the best even better, underpinned by superior customer comfort and a level of service you won’t find with our competitors.”
The new premium economy cabin launched on its Sydney services in August last year and sales were immediately at 90 per cent and have remained there since.
Emirates expects a comparable level of demand in Melbourne as consumer confidence and travel demand rapidly increase.