Emirates to equip all A350 aircraft with new adjustable headrests by year-end.
Dubai: Emirates Economy Class passengers may soon be able to leave their neck pillows behind on long-haul journeys, as the airline introduces a new adjustable headrest designed to provide better head and neck support during sleep.
The U-Dream headrest has already been installed on three Emirates Airbus A350 aircraft, with the airline planning to extend the upgrade to its entire A350 fleet by the end of 2026.
The headrest will also be introduced on most of Emirates’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft over time, while all 270 Boeing 777X aircraft ordered by the airline will be delivered with the feature already installed.
Designed for improved sleeping comfort
The padded leather U-Dream headrest features flexible side wings that fold inward to support passengers’ heads and necks, helping reduce forward movement and sideways leaning while they sleep during flights.
Passengers can adjust the headrest by moving it vertically and changing its angle to suit their height and preferred sleeping position.
Emirates said the design has undergone independent testing and verification to ensure it meets European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
“The U-Dream changes the game for passengers who want to sleep, by providing full neck support. No more neck pillows are needed,” said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.
Which Emirates flights will get it first
Passengers flying on Emirates’ newer Airbus A350 aircraft will be the first to experience the upgraded headrest more widely, with installation across the entire A350 fleet expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The airline will begin installing the headrest on retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft from 2027.
As the rollout depends on the aircraft assigned to each route, passengers may not see the new headrest available on every Emirates flight immediately.
Cabin crew have received training to assist passengers with adjusting the headrest, while the leather surface has been designed for easy cleaning and sanitisation after each flight.
