Emirates has announced a new adjustable headrest for economy class, the ‘U-Dream’, which it says will eliminate the need for neck pillows. The airline, which claims to be the first to adopt the technology, will install it across its A350, A380, and Boeing 777 fleets. Three A350s already carry the headrest, with the full A350 fleet to be equipped by the end of the year; retrofit of the A380 and 777 will begin gradually in 2027.

Separately, Air New Zealand has released details of a cabin overhaul for its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The retrofit includes new ergonomic economy seats from manufacturer ZIM, with 13-inch screens, Bluetooth audio, and USB-C charging. Economy capacity rises by two to 246 seats, while premium economy is reduced by two to accommodate a new business-class layout. Business Premier will adopt a reverse-herringbone configuration with sliding privacy doors, a lie-flat bed, and an 18-inch screen.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said the carrier had “found a way to significantly improve comfort for Economy Class passengers, especially on long-haul journeys,” and that the U-Dream “changes the comfort constellation” by fully supporting the neck. Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O’Brien said the previous cabin had served well since late 2010 but it was “the right time to raise the standard again,” noting the 777-300ER’s key role in the international network and that the update would reduce maintenance burdens.

The announcements feed into a wider trend of global carriers competing on economy-class comfort. United Airlines recently unveiled Economy Plus rows without a middle seat and “relax rows” that convert into lie-flat beds, while Air New Zealand itself has previously launched bunk-bed sleeping pods for ultra-long-haul routes, bookable in four-hour slots. Swiss, however, has no plans for a similar headrest, a spokesman said, having only recently introduced a new cabin concept.

Air New Zealand’s first 777-300ER retrofit is scheduled to begin in March 2027, with the revamped aircraft expected to enter commercial service in May 2027. Emirates targets completion of the U-Dream installation on its A350 fleet by year-end, with the wider rollout to other types starting in 2027.