Premium economy costs more than economy class tickets, but less
than business class. Its introduction by Emirates could increase
competitive pressure on rival Gulf airlines Qatar Airways and
Etihad Airways.
Premium economy will be on the Airbus <AIR.PA> A380s that
Emirates ordered this year, of which the first six will be
delivered in 2020, Clark said in a company podcast on its
website.
Dubai-based Emirates bought 20 A380s in January and has
purchasing options for an additional 16 which it has said it
would buy.
"We will be installing premium economy into those and it will be
an Emirates premium economy, so it will be special," Clark said
in the podcast released this month.
Premium economy often includes more legroom and other benefits
at a higher cost compared to the standard economy class fare but
is cheaper than business class or first class tickets.
Emirates has considered adding premium economy since at least
2016 as lower oil prices dented Middle East travel demand, and
the product could woo price-sensitive corporate travellers.
Other airlines that offer a premium economy product include All
Nippon Airways Co Ltd <9202.T>, Qantas Airways Ltd <QAN.AX> and
British Airways <ICAG.L>.
(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell. Editing by Jane Merriman)
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