Emirates has announced a significant expansion of its cabin refresh program, adding 71 more aircraft to the initiative. This brings the total number of planes slated for a complete interior makeover to a staggering 191.
The expansion focuses on two key aircraft types in the Emirates fleet: the iconic Airbus A380 and the workhorse Boeing B777. This move ensures a consistent and elevated travel experience for passengers across a wider range of Emirates flights.
“We’re topping up our multi-billion-dollar investment in the retrofit program to introduce cutting-edge cabin products on more of our A380s and Boeing 777s, demonstrating a clear commitment to elevating the customer experience with a best-in-class suite of products across every cabin. The addition of more aircraft fitted with our newest generation seats, updated cabin finishings and a contemporary color palette also marks a significant step in ensuring more customers can consistently experience our premium products across both aircraft types,” according to Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline.
Unparalleled Comfort Across All Classes
The original program targeted 120 aircraft, including 67 A380s and 53 Boeing 777s. With the expansion, Emirates demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing passengers with unparalleled comfort and luxury.
The airline has already completed refurbishments on 22 A380s. July 2024 marks the exciting debut of the program for the Boeing 777 fleet. Each 777 will undergo a meticulous two-week refresh process before returning to service.
Passengers flying on the revamped 777 can expect a complete cabin transformation. Highlights include:
- First-Class Suite Refresh: Existing First-Class cabins will receive a complete makeover, ensuring continued exclusivity and unparalleled comfort.
- All-New Business Class: Brand new Business Class seats will be introduced in a modern 1-2-1 configuration, offering increased privacy and personal space.
- Premium Economy Debut: For the first time on the B777, Emirates will be introducing a dedicated Premium Economy cabin. This creates a new tier of comfort, featuring 24 state-of-the-art Premium Economy seats.
Optimizing Seat Configuration for Passenger Choice
Incorporating the Premium Economy cabin necessitates a slight adjustment to the overall seat count. The reconfigured B777 will offer a total of 332 seats across four classes:
- 8 First Class Suites
- 40 Business Class Seats
- 24 Premium Economy Seats
- 260 Economy Class Seats
To accommodate the new cabin class, 50 Economy Class seats will be removed.
In-House Expertise Delivers Exceptional Results
Emirates takes immense pride in the in-house expertise driving this massive refurbishment program. Over 250 dedicated project personnel are working tirelessly at the airline’s Engineering Centre. They are supported by a network of 31 major partners and suppliers, collaborating to deliver the stunning new cabin interiors.
Upon completion of the program, Emirates will boast an impressive collection of refurbished aircraft featuring the latest amenities. This includes:
- 8,104 Next-Generation Premium Economy Seats
- 1,894 Refreshed First-Class Suites
- 11,182 Upgraded Business Class Seats
- 21,814 Economy Class Seats
Currently, Emirates operates A380s outfitted with the Premium Economy cabin on a range of popular routes, including services to New York JFK, Los Angeles, and London Heathrow. This network is set to expand further, with Osaka scheduled to receive Premium Economy service in June 2024.
By February 2025, Emirates expects to offer Premium Economy on flights to 42 destinations. This expansion will be fueled by the addition of the Airbus A350 to the fleet in September 2024, alongside the newly refurbished Boeing B777s.