Emirates has strengthened its position in Thailand's aviation sector after its Premium Economy product won the Travel & Leisure (Aviation) category at the Product of the Year Awards 2026, the airline said in a statement.

The awards, organised by Business+ Magazine in collaboration with the College of Management at Mahidol University, were held in Bangkok on 25 September 2026 under the theme "The Next Generation Mainstream." Finalists are shortlisted based on market performance and consumer recognition, with winners selected through a combined evaluation by academics from Mahidol University and a consumer survey.

Emirates introduced Premium Economy on its Bangkok flights in 2025. The cabin features spacious seating, extra legroom, upgraded dining and the airline's ice inflight entertainment system. The product has previously won "Best Premium Economy Class" at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2024 and 2025, and "Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class" at the 2025 ULTRAs Awards.

Mohammed Alwahedi, Emirates' Country Manager for Thailand, said the airline was "deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award from one of Thailand's most respected business media publications and academic institutions." He said the award "reaffirms Emirates' commitment to delivering distinctive products and services for travellers in Thailand, offering greater choice and comfort than ever before through our Premium Economy experience."

Alwahedi added that Thailand "remains one of Emirates' most strategic markets in Southeast Asia," pointing to recent investments including the opening of an Emirates World Store in Bangkok, the addition of a third daily flight to Phuket, and the rollout of cabin enhancements such as a new headrest design in Economy Class.

Emirates has also been expanding regional connectivity through Bangkok. Last year the airline added Fifth Freedom services linking the Thai capital with Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Da Nang, Vietnam, giving passengers additional onward connection options.

Among its recent onboard upgrades, Emirates introduced a new ergonomically designed, multi-directional headrest in Economy Class this summer, aimed at improving neck and head support on long-haul flights. The airline has also introduced what it describes as the world's first electrically powered Premium Economy seats, featuring full-height, adjustable privacy screens between every seat.

Source: PR