Emirates Strengthens Its Leadership in Thailand’s Aviation Sector as Premium Economy Wins Prestigious 2026 Product of the Year Award
BANGKOK, THAILAND – 25 September 2026 – Emirates has reinforced its leadership in Thailand’s aviation sector after its acclaimed Premium Economy product won the Travel & Leisure (Aviation) category at the Product of the Year Awards 2026.
Organised by Business+ Magazine in collaboration with the College of Management, Mahidol University, this year’s awards ceremony was held under the theme “The Next Generation Mainstream.”
Introduced on flights to Bangkok in 2025, Emirates Premium Economy gives travellers in Thailand greater comfort and elevated amenities. The accolade reflects the airline’s continued investment in best-in-class products and services that help customers in Thailand “fly better.”
An Award-Winning Premium Economy Experience
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin combines spacious seating, generous legroom, refined dining and the airline’s world-class ice entertainment system to deliver a distinctive travel experience. Since its global rollout, the product has received several international honours, including “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.
Strong Consumer Recognition in Thailand
The latest recognition reflects strong consumer endorsement in Thailand. The annual Product of the Year Awards celebrate products and services that demonstrate exceptional market leadership. Finalists are shortlisted based on market performance and consumer recognition. Winners are then selected through a combined evaluation by professionals from the College of Management, Mahidol University, and the results of a consumer survey.
Emirates’ Commitment to Thailand
“We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award from one of Thailand’s most respected business media publications and academic institutions. The Product of the Year Award 2026 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,” said Mohammed Alwahedi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Thailand.
“Thailand remains one of Emirates’ most strategic markets in Southeast Asia, and we are committed to delivering seamless comfort at every touchpoint of the customer journey. This vision continues to drive our investment in the country—from opening the Emirates World Store in Bangkok and adding a third daily flight to Phuket, to introducing cabin enhancements such as the new U-Dream headrest in Economy Class and expanding regional connectivity.”
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Alongside its enhanced cabin offerings, Emirates continues to strengthen Bangkok’s role as a vital regional aviation hub. Last year, the airline expanded its Southeast Asian network with Fifth Freedom services linking Bangkok with Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Da Nang, Vietnam. These services give passengers more seamless connections and greater travel flexibility.
Continued Onboard Innovation
Onboard innovation remains central to Emirates’ strategy. Recent enhancements include U-Dream headrest in Economy Class Introduced this summer, the ergonomically engineered, multi-directional adjustable headrest is designed to optimise neck and head support on long-haul flights. Emirates has introduced the world’s first electrically powered Premium Economy seats with full-height, adjustable privacy screens between every seat, giving travellers greater control over their personal space.