Published on : Friday, June 1, 2018
The premium economy costs more than economy class tickets, but less than business class. Its introduction by Emirates could increase competitive pressure on rival airlines.
The premium economy will be on the Airbus A380s that Emirates ordered this year, of which the first six will be delivered in 2020.
Dubai-based Emirates bought 20 A380s in January and has purchasing options for an additional 16, which it has said it would buy.
Clark said that they will be installing premium economy into those and it will be an Emirates premium economy, so it will be special.
The premium economy often includes more legroom and other benefits at a higher cost compared to the standard economy class fare but is cheaper than business class or first class tickets.
Emirates has considered adding premium economy since at least 2016 as lower oil prices dented Middle East travel demand, and the product could woo price-sensitive corporate travellers.
Other airlines that offer a premium economy product include All Nippon Airways, Qantas Airways and British Airways.