India, Ireland, Hong Kong, Portugal, Maldives, South Africa and More as Emirates Expands Boeing 777 Retrofit Program with Eight New Routes Starting June 2025 Featuring Upgraded Premium Economy and Business Class

Emirates (EK) has revealed the expansion of its Boeing 777 Retrofit Programme, which will include eight additional routes, starting from June 1st, 2025. These newly revamped aircraft will feature four distinct cabin classes, marking a significant enhancement in the airline’s global service. Among the highlights is the introduction of a dedicated Premium Economy section, along with a newly designed Business Class layout, both aimed at elevating passenger comfort.

The revamped Business Class will now feature a 1-2-1 seat arrangement, providing passengers with privacy and seamless aisle access. Each newly updated Boeing 777 will accommodate 24 Premium Economy seats and 260 Economy Class seats, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

This latest expansion comes as part of Emirates’ broader investment strategy to modernize its fleet. The airline has already committed approximately US$5 billion to refurbish its Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleets, significantly improving the overall passenger experience. The retrofitting process continues at an impressive pace, with one aircraft being fully renovated every three weeks.

New Features of the Retrofitted Boeing 777

The upgraded Boeing 777 will feature a sophisticated four-class configuration that includes:

• A Signature Premium Economy Section, designed to offer more comfort and luxury
• A Redesigned Business Class, now with a 1-2-1 seat configuration for better privacy
• 24 Premium Economy Seats designed to provide more space and comfort
• 260 Economy Class Seats, ensuring a balance of affordability and comfort for all passengers

Expansion of Routes

Emirates will deploy its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to several key international destinations, offering upgraded services across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The first routes to receive the enhanced aircraft starting June 1st, 2025, are as follows:

• Europe
• Lisbon, Portugal: Flights EK 191/192 and EK 193/194 with the updated cabins
• Dublin, Ireland: New Business and Premium Economy cabins available on EK 161/162
• London Stansted: A second daily service featuring the retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK 067/068
• Asia
• Hong Kong, SAR: Retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK 382/383
• Maldives: Refreshed interiors on EK 658/659, EK 656/657, and EK 660/661
• Kolkata, India: Four weekly flights (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on EK 572/573
• Africa
• Colombo, Sri Lanka: Daily EK 650/651 flights with the upgraded interiors
• Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa: New Premium Economy and updated Business Class on daily services EK 765/766, EK 761/762, and EK 770/771

Goals for the Future

By September 2025, Emirates aims to serve 44 cities with its fleet of upgraded Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. This retrofit initiative is not just about modernizing the aircraft interiors; it is part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance the overall passenger journey, while strengthening Emirates’ competitive position within the global aviation sector.

Final Thoughts

Emirates continues to showcase its commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences for passengers across its vast international network. The ongoing refurbishment of its Boeing 777 fleet illustrates the airline’s dedication to passenger comfort, innovative technology, and strategic growth. Through these improvements, Emirates is ensuring its continued leadership in the aviation industry, setting new standards for service and luxury in the skies.