Dubai’s Emirates plans premium economy within 18 months

Dubai airline Emirates plans to roll out a new premium economy service within the next year to 18 months, the company’s president has said.

Speaking at an event in London, Sir Tim Clark said the airline was evaluating premium economy and other options to address declining yields, according to Air Transport World.

He indicated the process had “advanced”. “We are at the stage of finding what form it will take,” he was quoted as saying.

But Clark also admitted the project would require quite a “big upheaval” and adaption of the carrier’s 250 planes as well as those scheduled for delivery.

“I would think within the next year to 18 months, we will have it in the airline, hopefully up and running,” he said, according to the publication.

Emirates reported a 75 per cent decline in first half profit in November due to the strong dollar and tougher competition.

Read: Dubai airline Emirates H1 net profit slumps 75%

It also announced the suspension of some services in Africa the previous month.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to suspend services to Nigeria’s Abuja

In September the airline said it would begin charging for seat selection on some economy fares for the first time.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to begin charging for seat selection