Emirates’ new Premium Economy service is now available on its A380 flights from Sydney. Certificates, passport holders, personalised polaroid photographs and personalised cakes were among the gifts given to passengers on the first Premium economy aircraft to honour the occasion.

Newly refurbished seats now offer customers greater leg room, bigger screen displays and service that “rivals many airlines’ business offering,” according to Emirates’ claims.

Aside from the 19.5-inch-wide leather seat and 40-inch pitch, premium economy passengers will have access to a 13.3-inch screen for in-flight entertainment, calf rests, footrests, charging outlets, and a side cocktail table.

Premium economy passengers, like those in business class, will receive a dedicated check-in counter and a “fine glassware” welcome drink upon arrival. The airline asserts that the food service in economy class is very similar to business class.

The airline has added 56 premium economy seats to its twice-daily service from Sydney to Dubai on the A380 aircraft. Bookings for premium economy seats on the Sydney-Dubai route have been open since 01 June 2022. According to Emirates, since announcing the launch of this service, it has seen high demand.

Emirates’ premium economy will be available on the final six A380s to be delivered on routes between Dubai and Paris Charles de Gaulle, London Heathrow and Sydney, with Christchurch, New Zealand to follow.