DUBAI: Emirates is set to introduce its upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft to eight more cities, further solidifying its commitment to elevating passenger experiences across its extensive route network.
With a new aircraft completing a full retrofit every three weeks, the airline aims to serve 44 global destinations with its fleet of modernised Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft by September 2025.
The latest routes benefiting from the refreshed Boeing 777 interiors include Lisbon, Dublin, Hong Kong, Male, Kolkata, Colombo, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Additionally, London Stansted will receive its second daily service featuring the upgraded cabins.
New routes & rollout schedule
Starting 1 June 2025, flights operating to and from Lisbon (EK 191/192 and EK 193/194) will feature the airline’s latest cabin designs. Dublin will follow on 25 June, with its EK 161/162 services showcasing Emirates' Business and Premium Economy cabins.
Hong Kong will become the second Chinese destination to be served by the retrofitted Boeing 777 from 15 July, operating on EK 382/383. Meanwhile, Emirates will enhance its services to the Maldives, with EK 658/659 featuring the updated aircraft from 1 June, and EK 656/657 along with EK 660/661 joining the roster from 15 July.
Passengers flying to Kolkata will experience the new interiors on four weekly flights (EK 572/573) starting 10 August, while daily retrofitted Boeing 777 services to Colombo on EK 650/651 will begin on the same day. This move complements Emirates’ recent introduction of the A350 on flights to Sri Lanka’s capital.
South Africa, a crucial market for Emirates, will see Johannesburg receive its first retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK 765/766 from 1 September, followed by EK 761/762 from 25 September. Cape Town will also join the list from 20 September, with daily upgraded services on EK 770/771.
Fleet investment & upgrades
Emirates' ambitious Dh18.4 billion (US$5 billion) retrofit programme encompasses more than 220 aircraft, marking the most extensive refurbishment initiative in the aviation sector. The airline’s enhanced Boeing 777 configuration features a four-class setup, including its highly sought-after Premium Economy and reimagined Business Class.
Each refurbished Boeing 777 will include 24 Premium Economy seats, providing a blend of comfort and affordability, while 260 Economy Class seats have been redesigned for better ergonomics. Business Class passengers can enjoy a 1-2-1 layout offering direct aisle access, privacy, and enhanced comfort for long-haul journeys.
With ticket bookings available on emirates.com, the Emirates App, and through travel agents, the airline continues to prioritise seamless access to its latest onboard experiences. As the retrofit programme progresses, aircraft deployment schedules may be adjusted if refurbishment is completed ahead of schedule.