Emirates Airlines is expanding its offerings by introducing Premium Economy class on select routes in 2026, starting with services between Dubai and Beirut, followed by Beijing. This upgrade includes retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, allowing passengers to experience enhanced comfort and benefits on their travels.

New Premium Economy Routes and Schedule

From January 6, 2026, Emirates will operate retrofitted Boeing 777 flights, EK953 and EK954, on the Dubai to Beirut route. This will be followed by the introduction of the Premium Economy cabin on the Dubai to Beijing route, with flights EK306 and EK307 starting on February 1, 2026. These routes are strategically designed to offer seamless connections to major cities with large Lebanese and Chinese communities, expanding travel opportunities for Emirates passengers.

The Emirates Premium Economy class provides an attractive middle ground for those who desire more than traditional economy offerings but find business class pricing prohibitive. Passengers traveling to Beirut can expect a modern cabin setting that features innovative designs and amenities, catering specifically to comfort during their journeys.

Features of Emirates Premium Economy

Travelers opting for Emirates’ Premium Economy on these routes will enjoy several outstanding features. The cabin layout includes spacious leather seats that recline comfortably, coupled with generous leg and footrests, along with adjustable headrests. Each seat is equipped with in-seat charging points and has access to a 13.3-inch personal TV screen for in-flight entertainment. Additionally, passengers will be provided with ample pillows, blankets, and even complimentary amenity kits on select flights.

One of the standout offerings in Premium Economy is an exclusive selection of sparkling wine, specifically Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, allowing travelers to savor a taste of luxury while in transit. This attention to detail highlights Emirates’ commitment to provide an elevated flying experience without the steep price of a business class ticket.

Seamless Connections and Global Accessibility

Passengers on both the Beirut and Beijing routes will benefit from thoughtfully timed departures and arrivals, making it easier to connect onward to a broad range of destinations. Notable connections from the Beirut route include major metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, New York City, and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, travelers on the Beijing route can seamlessly connect to cities like London, São Paulo, and Johannesburg.

The introduction of these new flights marks an exciting milestone for Emirates, expanding its modern fleet and evolving its services to meet customer needs. The innovative four-class cabin layout is set to enhance passenger experience, blending the luxury of business class with the accessibility of Premium Economy.

With these newest offerings, Emirates continues to position itself as a leader in the aviation industry, catering to travelers seeking comfort, quality, and value on their journeys. As they prepare for the launch, passengers can look forward to enjoying all the refined experiences Emirates has to offer.