Emirates adds fourth cabin to flights out of Brisbane ahead of Virgin’s return to Middle East

Emirates has revealed a premium addition to its flights in response to Virgin Australia’s new flights to the Middle East, all in the name of competition.

Emirates will introduce its premium economy product to travellers out of Brisbane for the first time next month, ahead of Virgin Australia’s new flights to the Middle East operated by Qatar.

The popular premium economy cabin was first rolled out on retrofitted A380s servicing Melbourne and Sydney, with Brisbane to get access to the product on flights EK434 and EK435 from February 1.

Configured in a 2-4-2 format, the premium economy cabin features 56 cream leather seats nearly 50cm wide and with a 101cm seat pitch.

It means travellers will have a choice of four cabins on Emirates’ flagship A380, including first, business, premium economy and economy.

Emirates is hoping the addition of its premium economy product to flights from Brisbane next month will keep customers from jumping ship when Virgin begins new services to the Middle East.

The move comes as Virgin Australia steps up efforts to fill seats on new flights to Doha from Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, to be operated by Qatar Airways’ 777s and crew.

Days after tripling reward seats on the services, Virgin Australia has announced a flash peak-season sale, discounting economy seats through to various European capitals.

Sale fares include $2035 for Sydney-London return in economy, or $1927 for Sydney-Paris return.

Economy seats on Perth-Paris are available from $1833 return and from Perth to Barcelona from $1798.

Virgin Australia executive Dave Emerson said the peak-season fares would make the European summer more accessible to Australian travellers.

“A European summer is a bucket-list experience for so many Australians, and there’s never been a better time to plan your adventure,” said Mr Emerson.

“Whether it’s soaking up the sun on the French Riviera, exploring Italy’s stunning coastline, or wandering the historic streets of Greece, this sale ensures you’ll travel in style and for less.”

The flights remain subject to regulatory approval and Virgin has undertaken to refund any passengers or re-accommodate them on other Qatar Airways’ flights in the event the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission does not give the green light.

Qatar Airways’ popular QSuite product in its business class cabin.

A draft determination is expected in coming weeks ahead of a final decision in March or April.

Airports, business and tourism groups have all made submissions strongly in favour of the flights but some unions have raised concerns about the use of Qatar Airways’ crew and pilots.

Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka has ensured employees there will be opportunities for them to work on the Qatar-operated flights but the details are still being ironed out.

As competition heats up on the Middle East front, new domestic airfare data from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics has shown travellers are paying less to fly within Australia in January.

According to the data collected from Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, business class fares fell to 43.4 per cent of the long-term average, and full economy fares plunged to their lowest level since mid-2022.

Best discount fares were also down on the same time last year, at 62.2 per cent of the long term average.

The surprising figures come after fares spiked in 2024, in the wake of Rex’s withdrawal from major city routes and Bonza’s demise.

Originally published as Emirates adds fourth cabin to flights out of Brisbane ahead of Virgin’s return to Middle East