Emirates Brings Privacy Screens to Premium Economy

For years, the aircraft arms race was fought at the very front of the plane, with airlines pouring millions into first-class suites and ever-flatter business-class beds. Now the battle is moving a few rows back.

On Thursday, Emirates launched a premium economy seat with a full-height, electrically operated privacy divider, which passengers can raise and lock from a personal control pad.

Fitted to its new-generation Airbus A350 jets, the seat features electric recline with preset lounge and meal modes, a leather U-shaped headrest, deployable footrest, wireless charging and a 4K screen. 

It arrives as the airline industry enters a period of slower expansion, with global passenger revenue expected to approach $900 billion by 2027 but annual growth settling into low single digits.

The post-pandemic recovery has run its course, and airlines are thinking less about chasing passengers and more a