Emirates A380 – Photo: Courtesy Emirates
Emirates celebrated the forthcoming debut of its Premium Economy product in India with an exclusive tour of its four-class A380 aircraft in Mumbai. When the new cabin class debuts on its A380 flights later this month, Emirates will be the first Middle Eastern carrier to offer the understated luxury experience in India.
The aircraft, which features Premium Economy cabins and is operated as EK506, landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (MIAL) to allow MIAL airport authorities, VIPs, travel agents, major corporate clients, and journalists to sample the soon-to-be-launched service.
Guests were given a guided tour of the Premium Economy cabins that will debut on Emirates’ A380 service to Mumbai and Bangalore on 29 October and outbound flights from the two cities to Dubai on 30 October.
Prakash Tulsiani, Chief Executive Officer of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), Ashwin Noronha, Chief Operating Officer of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), Dinaz Madhukar, Chief Commercial Service Officer at Adani Airports, other airport officials, and Mohammed Sarhan, Emirates’ Vice President for India and Nepal, were in attendance at the premiere event.
Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, and Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – West Asia and Indian Ocean, were among the Emirates officials who were on board the flight that arrived in Mumbai.

Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ Vice President for India and Nepal, said on the highly anticipated introduction of the Premium Economy product in India: “Emirates Premium Economy has revolutionised travel for a growing segment of travellers looking to enhance their flying experience.”
We’ve had a tremendous reaction from passengers who have upgraded to Premium Economy and welcomed the greater comfort and elegance it offers at an affordable value. It will be very popular in India, based on the demand we have experienced on the ten routes where the product is currently available.
“With the ongoing surge in travel across our network, Premium Economy allows passengers to savour the perfect blend of luxury and affordability. This underscores our ongoing commitment to customers and delivering on our ‘Fly Better’ promise. As we incorporate Premium Economy cabins across a growing number of aircraft, we hope to extend this option on more routes.”
“We are delighted to welcome Emirates as they reconfigure and upgrade their service offering from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA),” said a CSMIA spokesperson.
As Emirates expands its broad range of services and extensive connectivities, CSMIA is ready to fulfil modern-day mobility requirements by implementing newer technology and digitalisation, contributing to a seamless passenger experience.
We are pleased to give customers the best CSMIA experience possible, thanks to Mumbai Airport’s world-class services and Emirates’ dedication to premium luxury and quality on board.”
The Emirates A380’s Premium Economy cabins feature 56 plush cream leather seats at the front of the main deck and are laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. The new cabin class includes seats with a wide recline, increased legroom, and an improved dining experience, among other smart and luxurious touches.
Passengers seeking a premium dining experience may select from a variety of regional menus with a range of local dishes and an extensive drink choice.
Furthermore, “ICE” in-flight entertainment system ice has been significantly enhanced, boasting a bigger screen and a comprehensive variety of movies, TV episodes, and albums in India’s regional languages like Hindi, Marathi, and Kannada.
Emirates has embarked on one of aviation’s most significant fleet refurbishment projects. Emirates’ Engineering team began a ground-breaking effort to refurbish 67 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. In addition to a new design, the project will include the installation of nearly 4,000 Premium Economy seats across 120 aircraft.
Meanwhile, Indian travellers flying between Dubai and Mumbai can book Premium Economy tickets on Emirates flights EK500/501, while those flying between Dubai and Bengaluru may book seats on Emirates flights EK568/569. Seats for outbound travel from the two Indian points can be reserved now through emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, and travel agents beginning 30 October.
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