Emirates has announced plans to extend its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to additional global destinations, offering passengers a premium experience across all cabin classes.
Starting from October 2024, the airline will introduce these enhanced aircraft to Zurich and Riyadh, with Geneva and Brussels also benefiting from the upgraded service in the coming weeks.
The newly retrofitted Boeing 777s will bring Emirates’ highly praised Premium Economy product and newly configured Business Class cabin to more travelers.
From 1 October 2024, Emirates will operate its upgraded Boeing 777s on flights EK 85 and EK 86 to Zurich. Riyadh will also see the introduction of this enhanced service on flights EK 819 and EK 820, marking the debut of Emirates’ Premium Economy offering in the Middle East and GCC region.
Jayne Hrdlicka, Emirates’ Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the importance of these enhancements: “We are excited to bring our newly retrofitted Boeing 777s to more cities, allowing even more customers to enjoy our upgraded services. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing the best possible in-flight experience across all cabin classes.”
New Cabins for Geneva and Brussels
Geneva will be the first city in Emirates’ network to exclusively offer the refreshed Boeing 777 cabins on all flights. Starting from 22 September 2024, travelers on flights EK 89 and EK 90 will enjoy the full range of Emirates’ premium services, including the newly introduced Premium Economy seats and updated Business Class cabins.
Brussels will follow shortly after, with Emirates deploying its second retrofitted Boeing 777 on flights EK 181 and EK 182 from 9 October 2024, operating six times weekly. This move ensures that passengers traveling to and from these European hubs will have access to Emirates’ enhanced in-flight offerings.
The Retrofitted Boeing 777: What to Expect
The retrofitted Boeing 777 is designed to provide a superior travel experience. The aircraft features four cabin classes, including six or eight First Class suites, 38 Business Class seats in a spacious four-abreast configuration, 24 Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout, and 256 Economy Class seats.
Business Class passengers can look forward to luxurious, fully-reclining flat beds, each with direct aisle access, personal mini-bars, and enhanced dining options. The new configuration, with the middle seat removed, ensures a more private and comfortable journey for all Business Class travelers.
Premium Economy seats offer a generous 19.5-inch width and a 38-inch pitch, providing extra comfort for long-haul flights. Passengers can relax with an 8-inch recline and adjustable headrests, calf and footrests, and accessible in-seat charging points. The elevated dining experience in Premium Economy includes elements inspired by Business Class, with gourmet dishes and fine beverages served on elegant tableware.
Future Plans and Enhancements
Emirates is steadily expanding the reach of its retrofitted Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft, aiming to serve 28 cities with its Premium Economy product by the end of 2024. To date, 25 aircraft have undergone these extensive upgrades, with 17 more set to be completed by December 2024.
This investment in fleet enhancement underscores Emirates’ commitment to offering an unparalleled in-flight experience. As more cities are added to the list, customers around the globe will have the opportunity to enjoy the airline’s renowned hospitality and cutting-edge amenities.
