Emirates boosts cabin retrofit program nearly 60%

Expect more A380s and 777s to remain in the Emirates fleet a little longer. That’s the message out today, as the company expands its cabin retrofit program to another 71 aircraft, joining the original 120 planes.

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.

– Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline

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Under the new plan Emirates will retrofit 110 A380s, up from 67. Some 22 have been refreshed so far and the work continues at Emirates’ tech ops facility in Dubai. The 777 fleet plan goes from 53 777s converted to 81. That work is expected to begin in July, with a two-week turnaround for each plane.

While the carrier spins the move as “demonstrating a clear commitment to elevating the customer experience” it also seems likely that delays in delivery of the 777X fleet are at least partly a factor. The 777X still lacks an approved certification test flight plan from US regulators. Lufthansa recently suggested it now expects the planes to not enter its schedule until Summer 2026.

Slipping deliveries another year does not directly justify extending the life of 71 aircraft, of course. But between the delivery delays and shifting overall market demand, it is clear Emirates expects more of the existing fleet to remain in service longer, justifying the incremental investment.

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The retrofit 777s feature eight first class suites, 40 business class seats, each with direct aisle access, and 24 premium economy seats. The plane also carries 260 economy class seats, down 50 from the prior design to account for the added premium economy cabin.

The company also announced its initial A350 routes this week, with service to launch from mid-September. With the A350s and the 777 retrofit program the carrier expects to serve 42 destinations with a premium economy cabin by February 2025, up from 14 today.