The Emirates fleet is undergoing a massive transformation. Last year the Dubai based airline started a retrofitting effort that will transform the cabins and interiors on many of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. The first A380s have already been refurbished with the aircraft returning to service with the all-new Premium Economy cabin. However, still no Boeing 777 has returned to service with the upgraded cabins. Here’s when the first retrofitted 777 will return to service and where it’ll fly. Also let’s touch on why this is so important for Emirates.
Why Is This a Big Deal for Emirates?
Emirates has one of the strongest brands out there. Not only in aviation, but overall, worldwide. The airline has worked relentlessly to build brand recognition and create an association between its name and luxury and premium service. However, its business class on its Boeing 777 fleet is not up to the expectations of many travellers.
These planes still feature the anachronistic 2-3-2 Business Class layout. A layout that doesn’t assure direct aisle access to all passengers. On the contrary 3 passengers per row will have to step over their neighbour to get to the aisle. Furthermore, the central seat of the central 3 will be sandwiched all flight long between 2 passengers. Keep in mind that this might be the case even on ULR services.
Therefore, the Emirates Boeing 777s are the planes most needing a cabin revamp to be up to par with competitors both in the Gulf region and on a global stage.
The new refurbished 777 cabins will feature 3 classes of travel with all seats offering direct aisle access in Business Class and the all-new EK premium economy cabin. Specifically, the cabin layout will feature on the typical Emirates 777-300ER:
- 38 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout.
- 24 Premium Economy seats.
- 256 Economy Class Seats in the standard 3-4-3 layout.
EK has therefore sacrificed 4 business class seats and will be ditching first class on some of its planes, to accomodate a large twenty-four seat Premium Economy cabin. A trend that has become common among many carriers worldwide.
Where Will the First Retrofitted EK Boeing 777s Fly To?
After talking at length of the new cabins and what it means for passengers and the airline itself let’s talk about where they will be flying when they enter service.
The airline has announced the first destinations on its network to see the retrofitted Boeing 777s. We have three destinations, of which two in Europe and one in the far-east:
- Geneva on flight EK83 – Starting August 11th 2024.
- Tokyo Haneda on flight EK312 – Starting September 1st 2024.
- Brussels on flight 183 – Starting September 11th 2024.
Gradually as more planes return to service after their maintenance and retrofitting process more destinations will be added to the list. Emirates plans to serve 36 cities with its new premium economy fitted planes by February 2025. This process will be accelerated and aided by the arrival of the new A350s later this year.
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