G L OB A L AWA R D S
B E S T P R EM IU M E CO N O M Y C LA SS I N
T H E W O R L D
EMIRATES WORDS ENRIQUE PERRELLA
FOR AN AIRLINE known for pushing boundaries in first and business class, winning Best Premium Economy in the World underscores how Emirates has translated its culture of innovation into a cabin designed for travellers looking for a refined experience without the premium price tag. What makes this cabin so compelling is not a single feature but rather a collection of deliberate choices that together create a surprisingly seamless product. Consider the seat: 19.5in/50cm wide
with a 40in/102cm pitch, reclining into a cradle position. That’s expected in this segment, but the airline didn’t stop at dimensions. It added stitched cream leather upholstery, polished wood cocktail tables and a cabin palette of champagne and wood tones. In short, it feels more like a boutique hotel than a middle-tier airline seat. This layering of comfort and design
signals Emirates’ belief that premium economy isn’t an “in-between” option. It’s a standalone product. Equally notable is how Emirates has imported elements from its business
‘Crew attention isn’t spread thin, and the product feels curated’
class playbook. Passengers are greeted with a drink in fine glassware, followed by towel service. Menus rotate monthly and meals are served on Royal Doulton china with stainless-steel cutlery. Even celebrations have been considered: For US$43, passengers can order a cake-and-Champagne package, complete with Moët & Chandon. One aspect that rarely comes up
in casual comparisons is staffing. Emirates assigns three multilingual cabin attendants dedicated exclusively to premium economy on every flight. Some of the most remarkable details
ABOVE: Premium economy cabin on the Airbus A380
come from sustainability efforts. Amenity kits arrive in washable kraft paper pouches printed with soy ink. Socks and eyeshades are made from rPET, a recycled plastic. Blankets are woven from recycled bottles yet designed to feel plush. Emirates’ win reflects the airline’s
strategy of building a premium economy that isn’t a diluted version of business class, but a coherent product of its own. In the words of frequent flyers, it’s not simply about “more legroom” – it’s about an experience that feels thoughtfully complete.
FOR THE second year running, Saudia has claimed the Best Cabin Crew award, a milestone that puts the Saudi national carrier in the spotlight. Chief guest experience officer Rossen Dimitrov said that recent
passenger experience initiatives reflect the airline’s
commitment to rigorous training, blending precision with genuine Saudi warmth and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
B E S T C A B I N C R E W I N T HE WO R L D
SAUDIA AIRLINES WORDS ENRIQUE PERRELLA
strategy to boost tourism. Yet while awards spotlight progress, they also underscore ongoing challenges: Middle Eastern carriers face fierce regional competition, and consistent operational performance
remains a key measure for frequent travellers. This award is an encouraging sign, reflecting ambition and potential, and offering a telling example of how regional carriers leverage awards to shape global perception.
BUSINESS TRAVELLER ASIA-PACIFIC 49
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