In an announcement that’s got aviation enthusiasts and frequent flyers alike brimming with excitement, Emirates is preparing to roll out its latest and greatest Premium Economy offering to two more Australian cities — Perth and Adelaide, setting a new benchmark for air travel across the nation.
From October 26, Perth will proudly welcome Emirates’ four-class A380, complete with its lauded Premium Economy cabin, while Adelaide is poised to make aviation history as the first city to receive the airline’s brand-new long-range A350, touching down on December 1.
It’s an elegant nod to tradition and progress, a rare combination these days, and Emirates is doing it with all the grandeur one expects from the Middle East’s flagship carrier.
Completing the Circle: Five Cities, Next-Generation Comfort
The addition of Perth and Adelaide to Emirates’ Premium Economy roster rounds out an ambitious Australian vision that began back in 2022, when Sydney first sampled the airline’s reimagined four-class A380s.
By December, Emirates will have next-generation aircraft serving all five of its Australian gateways — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide — with an astonishing 5,000 Premium Economy seats connecting Australia to Dubai each week.
Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates, reflected with great pride:
“By offering Premium Economy and next-generation aircraft in Perth and Adelaide, this commitment comes full circle. Australia is at the forefront of our US$5 billion aircraft retrofit programme — and we’re not finished yet.”
He added,
“The arrival of the A350 in Adelaide especially signifies our unwavering dedication to South Australia, providing an unparalleled travel experience to a destination that has become ever more vital on the world stage.”
Inside Emirates’ Premium Economy: A Taste of the Good Life
Step inside the Premium Economy cabin aboard Emirates’ A380 and you’re greeted with a soothing palette of cream-coloured leather seats, accented with elegant wood grain finishes — a whisper of Business Class luxury at a fraction of the fare.
Each seat measures an indulgent 19.5 inches across, with a generous recline, footrests, and 6-way adjustable headrests. A 13.3-inch entertainment screen, power ports, and a charming wood-finished cocktail table round out the thoughtful touches.
It’s old-world hospitality married to 21st-century engineering — a union that reminds us why the romance of travel endures, even today.
Perth Welcomes the Majestic Four-Class A380
Come late October, Perth will ascend to a new stratosphere of luxury as Emirates deploys its four-class A380 on EK420/421 services. Departing Dubai at 2:45 am and landing in Perth by 5:35 pm, the return leg leaves at 10:10 pm — a schedule that neatly serves both business and leisure travellers.
-
- Emirates A380 Business Class full shot
-
- Emirates A380 onboard lounge
-
- Emirates First Class Cabin_Entertainment
The A380’s layout in Perth is nothing short of magnificent: 14 sumptuous First Class suites, 76 lie-flat Business Class seats with direct aisle access, 56 expansive Premium Economy seats and 322 plush Economy Class spots.
Adding to the allure is Emirates’ famous A380 Onboard Lounge, now freshly rejuvenated and ready to receive discerning travellers looking to stretch their legs at 40,000 feet.
-
- Emirates A380 Economy Cabin inflight meals
-
- Emirates A380 Economy Cabin seats _ ICE
-
- Emirates Premium Economy cabin
First Class passengers can look forward to a truly indulgent experience, featuring Emirates’ latest “Our First Class” culinary guide — a Renoir-inspired masterpiece, white glove service, and the much-talked-about enhanced caviar offering, now served in a bespoke Robert Welch bowl.
Kate Holsgrove, Perth Airport’s Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, enthused:
“Emirates has been vital for Perth, delivering 630,000 seats annually. Now, with the A380’s four-class configuration, business and leisure passengers have more choice and an even more luxurious journey to look forward to.”
Adelaide Scores Aviation Coup: First to Receive Emirates’ Long-Range A350
If Perth’s news wasn’t grand enough, Adelaide has been handed an even bigger feather for its cap.
Starting December 1, the South Australian capital will host Emirates’ very first long-range Airbus A350 — a sleek, fuel-efficient marvel capable of flying more than 14,000 kilometres non-stop, staying aloft for up to 15 hours.
The A350 will operate Emirates’ EK440/441 service, replacing the Boeing 777-200LR, and ushering in a new era of comfort and connectivity for Adelaide.
The configuration promises a thoroughly premium experience:
-
32 next-generation Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout
-
28 plush Premium Economy seats
-
238 spacious Economy seats
-
- Emirates A350 Economy Cabin
-
- Emirates Premium Economy
-
- Emirates A350 Business Class
Passengers can expect cutting-edge features including wireless charging in Business Class, digital menus, USB-C ports in every seat, and even Bluetooth headphone pairing — all complemented by Emirates’ next-generation ICE entertainment system with stunning 4K screens.
South Australia Gears Up for an International Tourism Surge
South Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, hailed the development as a major coup:
“Emirates’ decision to launch the A350 to Adelaide is a resounding vote of confidence in our State’s growth. With $62 million already pouring into the economy from this route annually, the future looks even brighter.”
“Now, with even more allure for international visitors — whether it’s our world-class wine, wildlife or major events — there’s never been a better time to fly direct to South Australia.”
Brenton Cox, Managing Director at Adelaide Airport, echoed the sentiment:
“We’re absolutely delighted. The A350’s size and range make it ideal for connecting Adelaide to the world, while the Premium Economy offering will be a hit with our travelling public.”
Strengthening Australia’s Trade Links with the World
While passenger comfort rightly grabs the headlines, Emirates is also doubling down on its vital role as a trade conduit.
The A380 service out of Perth will offer a substantial 105 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity, supporting the export of perishables, pharmaceuticals, mining equipment, and more. Combined with the airline’s Boeing 777 services, Perth will boast 315 tonnes of weekly lift between Western Australia and Dubai.
And with Dubai strategically positioned to reach two-thirds of the world’s population within eight hours, Emirates SkyCargo is primed to supercharge Australian exports at a time when global trade needs all the support it can get.
Following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Australia, Emirates’ cargo operations are poised to become an even more integral piece of the trading puzzle, handling over 2,350 tonnes of Australian imports and exports every week.
Three Decades of Unshakeable Commitment
Emirates has never been one for half-measures. Since launching flights to Australia nearly 30 years ago, the airline has invested over $230 million in Australia’s sporting and cultural life, backing iconic events such as the Australian Open, the Collingwood Football Club, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
With 77 direct weekly flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide — and seven more to Christchurch via Sydney — Emirates isn’t just a carrier; it’s a bridge between Australia and the world.
And now, thanks to the arrival of its Premium Economy cabin across all five cities, and the stunning debut of the A350 in Adelaide, that bridge just got a whole lot more luxurious.
For those with a yearning for the golden age of air travel, Emirates’ latest moves feel like a welcome return to form — proof that while times change, the best traditions endure.
Bookings are now available at emirates.com or through your preferred travel agent.
By Michelle Warner
