Emirates has the world’s best premium economy cabins according to international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.
Having officially debuted its premium economy cabins in August last year, the Dubai airline's new class of travel, which features wider seats, leg rests and an elevated in-flight menu, has been a success. Emirates also picked up the accolade for having the best premium economy seats in the industry.
Th airline, which recently announced Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz as its newest ambassador, also took the top spot for premium economy cabins in the annual AirlineRatings awards earlier this month.
Emirates is also the world’s fourth best airline says Skytrax, according to the results of more than 20 million online passenger surveys. Singapore Airlines topped this ranking to be crowned the world’s best airline, knocking seven-time winner Qatar Airways off the top spot into second place.
But the Gulf airline reigned champion for premium travel, picking up an award for the best business class cabins in the world. Qatar also took home accolades for having the best staff in the Middle East and the region's best economy cabins.
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Travellers can now check in for Emirates premium economy flights. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The new cabin class is now available to Emirates customers travelling on A380 routes to London, Paris and Sydney. -
A boarding pass for Emirates' premium economy cabin. -
The new cabin has luxurious seats and more legroom. -
Cabin crew hand out hot towels to passengers seated in the premium economy cabin. -
Welcome drinks are part of the premium economy service. -
An Emirates crew member details safety features for travellers flying premium economy. -
The wood panelling in premium economy is inspired by Emirates' business-class cabins. -
Each seat has a 13.3-inch screen, one of the largest in its class. -
Premium economy seats offer six-way adjustable headrests. -
Leather seats have a 40-inch pitch, are 19.5 inches wide and recline eight inches into a comfortable cradle position. -
Travellers flying premium economy all have easily accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table for drinks. -
The cabin class offers passengers a distinct menu to choose from. -
Each seat also has calf rests and footrests. -
Welcome drinks and amenity kits are offered to travellers flying Emirates premium economy. -
The new cabin will also be added on flights to New Zealand from December.
In third place is All Nippon Airways from Japan, which was also awarded the title of being the cleanest airline in the world.
In a new ranking of family-friendly airlines this year, Skytrax named Emirates as the Middle East’s best for traveling with children. Globally, Air Canada is the world’s most family-friendly airline.
Etihad Airways also ranks in Skytrax's top 20 list – the national airline of the UAE is the world's 13th best, out of more than 325 included in the survey results.
Saudi Arabia’s Flynas leads the way for affordable travel in the Middle East. The budget carrier, which is headquartered in Riyadh, is named the best low-cost airline in the Middle East, beating competition from other similar regional airlines, including flydubai, AirArabia, SalamAir and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
The Skytrax annual awards ceremony is widely considered the Oscars equivalent of the airline industry. Results are compiled from customer satisfaction surveys completed by passengers around the world.
The world’s top 20 airlines in 2023, according to Skytrax
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- Japan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Air France
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Eva Air
- Korean Air
- Hainan Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Etihad Airways
- Iberia
- Fiji Airways
- Vistara
- Qantas Airways
- British Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Delta Air Lines
