Emirates and Etihad win multiple best in class awards

The Dubai airline won in four categories, including 'Best Premium Economy Class'

Emirates' newest superjumbo is fitted with the Dubai airline's first Premium Economy cabin. All photos: Emirates

The airline was offering complimentary upgrades to those flying Economy class to London.

The stairway on the A380 main deck, around which Emirates' new Premium Economy cabin is located.

Emirates' Premium Economy seats feature anti-stain leather and luxurious stitching details.

With a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, seat are 19.5 inches wide and recline eight inches into a cradle position with room to stretch out.

Each traveller has an in-armrest dining table and cocktail table.

Passengers onboard EK2021 will be able to experience Emirates' new premium economy cabin.

Emirates has been named the “Best Airline Worldwide” for the ninth time in a row at the Business Traveller Middle East awards.

The Dubai airline also won in three other categories — “Best Premium Economy Class”, “Best Economy Class” and “Best Frequent Flyer Programme”.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was recognised as the airline with the "Best Cabin Crew" as well as being awarded the "Best First Class".

Etihad said in a statement that its First Class cabin is "designed as a private universe – a sanctuary in the sky – which provides guests with a highly personalised and bespoke service tailored to the guests’ individual preferences".

The airline recently launched added the A350-1000 to its fleet and is introducing a new dining experience designed with environmental sustainability and an elevated guest experience as a priority.

Meanwhile, Emirates' Premium Economy seats were first introduced in January 2021, with six Airbus A380s offering the cabin.

Emirates said this week that it is in the process of retrofitting a further 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s.

The premium economy cabins are decorated with a wood panelling similar to that in business class.

Seats are 49.5 centimetres wide and come with a one-metre pitch and an 20-centimetre reclining position, rounded off by soft leather finishings, six-way adjustable headrests and a footrest.

Emirates will be unveiling the complete premium economy experience on-board and on the ground from August 1, with a dedicated check-in service at Dubai International Airport, complimentary amenity kits, fine glass and chinaware, curated dining and beverage choices.

The airline will be back to full capacity by the end of the year, up from the current 75 per cent to 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels at which it is currently operating, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, the airline's chairman and chief executive, said at the Arabian Travel Market on Tuesday.

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