Funny thing... I've always considered EK business not a full flexed business class but something like premium economy++. The business class of the likes of SQ is miles ahead of EK business class in terms of standard but also in price - at least on the B777 routes that I frequent. And the few A380 experiences I have had seem to have further bolstered that idea.

As such, I see a premium economy only a viable option if EK boosts the standard of their business class. EK economy is actually quite miserable and cramped so there would definitely be space between that and a full flexed business class. With the current setup, I hardly see the need.