Emirates launches premium economy seats on Singapore-Dubai leg

Emirates rolled out premium economy class seats in June for flights from Singapore to Dubai, in a move to capture demand from travellers who want to fly in greater comfort at more affordable prices. The United Arab Emirates carrier has outfitted its A380 planes with 56 premium economy seats each, and Emirates’ country manager in Singapore and Brunei Rashid Al Ardha is confident that the new cabin “will cater to the requirements of both corporate and leisure travellers”. Fares for Emirates’ premium economy class start from $1,729, compared with $699 for economy class and $3,009 for business class, although final prices are subject to market dynamics. At present, travellers cannot use their frequent flier points to upgrade from economy to premium economy. Emirates has lagged behind other carriers in offering such seats, only doing so from 2021 for flights between Dubai and London. The carrier now offers the choice of premium economy seats to eight destinations including Singapore, New York and Christchurch. In comparison, Cathay Pacific launched its premium economy class in 2012, while Singapore Airlines (SIA) did so in 2015.<br/>