Dubai – Emirates is set to expand its Premium Economy and upgraded cabin experience to more European travelers with the introduction of newly retrofitted Airbus A380s on routes to Manchester and Milan, the airline announced on Wednesday.
Beginning June 6, flight EK017/018 to Manchester will feature the refurbished aircraft, followed by EK091/092 to Milan from July 1. These additions bring the total number of destinations served by Emirates’ retrofitted A380s to 19 global points, as part of the airline’s ongoing multi-billion-dollar cabin upgrade programme.
Boost to UK Premium Economy Network
With the inclusion of Manchester, Emirates’ Premium Economy capacity to the UK will increase to nearly 5,000 weekly seats from June. The Manchester service complements the airline’s four daily retrofitted A380 flights on the Dubai–London Heathrow route, the Emirates A350 to Edinburgh, and the upcoming deployment of a refurbished Boeing 777 to London Stansted in May.
“The rollout of our enhanced A380 experience to Manchester further strengthens our commitment to the UK market,” the airline started.
Milan Becomes Second Italian Gateway
Milan will become Emirates’ second Italian city to receive the upgraded four-class A380, following the planned deployment of the new A350 to Bologna later this June. The move aligns with Emirates’ broader network strategy to enhance passenger comfort and product consistency across its long-haul destinations.
Premium Economy Experience on the A380
The Premium Economy cabin on Emirates’ retrofitted A380s features 56 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, located at the front of the main deck. Each seat offers:
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Generous pitch and width for added comfort
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Adjustable leg rests and footrests
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In-seat power and charging points
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Side cocktail tables
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Enhanced dining and entertainment options
The airline has received strong customer feedback on its Premium Economy product, praised for bridging the gap between Business and Economy classes.
Wider Global Connectivity
By July, travelers from Manchester and Milan will have seamless access to Emirates’ upgraded onboard experience on flights connecting through Dubai to major hubs in Australasia and Asia, including Sydney, Singapore, Osaka, Mumbai, Bangalore, and beyond.
The initiative is part of Emirates’ broader commitment to redefining the long-haul travel experience while maintaining its reputation as a premium global carrier.
