Emirates launches premium economy service at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne will become one of only five cities to feature a new luxury service from one of the world’s biggest airlines. See what it looks like.

Melbourne travellers will be able to take to the skies in style after one of the world’s biggest airlines redefined what it means to travel in economy class.

Emirates Airlines showcased its premium economy class on its A380 at Melbourne Airport which became only the fifth city in the world to have the service.

Featuring luxurious leather seats with headrests and footrests and 33cm screens for entertainment premium economy could set back flyers around $5,000 return.

Melbourne has become the fifth city in the world to have premium economy available. Picture: Supplied

Emirates’ Divisional vice president Australasia Barry Brown said the refit was possible due to strong passenger numbers experienced after Covid.

“We have a strong commitment to Australia, as one of our most important markets on our global network,” he said.

“Alongside continued increase of operations as we make a strong rebound, we are committed to offering Australians more choice in how they travel, and look forward to offering travellers between Melbourne an exceptional new experience.”

The premium cabins have been built in a two-four-two configured to allow passengers more space and bigger chairs compared to regular economy.

Passengers will also enjoy a suite of meals made with seasonal ingredients, priority boarding and greater bathroom access as they get some of the perks of business class without the price tag.

The airline expects Melbourne will see a similar demand for premium economy like Sydney which had 90 per cent passenger loads since the service debuted last year.

The class will be available between Dubai and Melbourne on daily EK406 and EK407 services. The airline announced a third daily flight from Melbourne which introduced a stopover to Singapore in March.

“This is an exciting period for Emirates in Australia, with Melbourne and Sydney sitting at the forefront of Emirates biggest investment in cabin redesign to date,” Mr Brown said.