What is Emirates doing to 120 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 wide-body jets?

Emirates is undertaking a major fleet modernization program.

This ambitious project focuses on its wide-body fleet. The initial plan targeted 120 aircraft for refurbishment. This included 67 Airbus A380 Boeing 777 jets. The core goal is installing the highly anticipated Emirates premium economy retrofit cabin. This significant investment aims to standardize the long-haul passenger experience.

Program Scope and Investment

Emirates first announced the project in 2021. The initial scope covered 120 aircraft. Due to strong demand, the program has since expanded. The total investment is now $5 billion. This will refurbish 219 aircraft in total. This includes 110 A380s and 109 Boeing 777s. The work is being managed in-house by Emirates Engineering. This massive wide-body aircraft refurbishment is a complex logistical task.

Enhancing the Passenger Experience

The new Premium Economy is the centerpiece of the Emirates cabin upgrade. It offers a significant step up from standard Economy class. The cabin features luxurious cream leather seats. These seats provide a deeper recline and more legroom. The design includes wood panel finishing and bronze accents. This look is inspired by the airline’s newest Business Class product.

Key Details of the Cabin Upgrade

• A380 Configuration: The A380 features 56 Premium Economy seats. They are located at the front of the main deck. The layout is a comfortable 2-4-2 configuration.
• Boeing 777 Configuration: The Boeing 777 will feature 24 Premium Economy seats. This cabin sits between Business and Economy Class.
• Seat Specifications: Seats offer a pitch of up to 40 inches. They are 19.5 inches wide, with an 8-inch recline.
• Technology: Passengers receive a 13.3-inch HD screen. The latest Panasonic Astrova IFE system is being installed. Fleet-wide Starlink Wi-Fi is also being added concurrently.

Operational Challenges and Market Impact

The retrofit process is a significant operational challenge. It requires aircraft to be taken out of service for weeks. Each Airbus A380 requires approximately 22 days for completion. The Boeing 777 refurbishment takes about 18 days. The program began in November 2022. The next major phase of 111 aircraft starts in August 2026.

This investment ensures product consistency across the entire long-haul fleet. It also positions Emirates strongly against global competitors. The Premium Economy segment is highly profitable for airlines. It caters to leisure and corporate travelers seeking better comfort. The move reinforces the airline's commitment to its flagship aircraft. It also extends the service life of its Boeing and Airbus wide-body jets well into the mid-2030s. The continuous rollout of retrofitted aircraft is expanding Premium Economy service to more cities globally.

Stay ahead of the airline industry with commercial aviation news from flying.flights.