Emirates Expands Retrofitted Aircraft and A380 Deployments Across Key Routes
Emirates is expanding its network of retrofitted aircraft and Airbus A380 services in response to increasing travel demand. These updates will enable more passengers to experience the airline’s enhanced onboard offerings, including its growing Premium Economy service.
Since launching its retrofit programme in November 2022, Emirates has refurbished 60 aircraft, with one aircraft being upgraded approximately every three weeks. The updated Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft feature refreshed cabin interiors across all classes, as well as the introduction of Premium Economy on select routes.
Key Schedule Enhancements (Effective 26 October 2025):
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Milan: A third daily flight (EK101/102) will be introduced, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
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Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires: The linked service EK247/248 will increase from several times a week to daily.
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Shanghai:
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EK302/303 will be upgraded to an A380.
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EK304/305 will continue with a retrofitted Boeing 777.
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Singapore: The third daily Dubai-Singapore flight (EK314/315) will switch to an A380 from this winter.
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Zurich:
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EK85/86 will be upgraded to an A380 starting 1 February 2026.
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Premium Economy will debut on EK87/88 via a retrofitted A380 from the same date.
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Retrofitted Aircraft Features
The upgraded four-class Boeing 777 includes:
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6–8 First Class suites
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38–40 Business Class seats
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24 Premium Economy seats
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256 Economy seats
On the four-class A380, the Premium Economy cabin features 56 seats in a 2-4-2 layout. Each seat includes charging points, extra legroom, and additional comfort features.
These updates reflect Emirates’ ongoing efforts to adjust capacity and enhance the passenger experience across its global network for both summer and winter travel seasons.
Customers can book tickets through the Emirates website, app, retail stores, and travel agents.
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