Emirates Updates Beirut and Beijing Services with Retrofitted Boeing 777 Aircraft
Emirates has announced that retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Premium Economy cabins will be deployed on selected international routes beginning in early 2026. The upgraded aircraft will operate flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026, followed by flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing starting 1 February 2026.
With this update, Beijing becomes the fourth destination in mainland China to receive Emirates’ refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft. The Beirut service will also introduce Premium Economy and the airline’s updated Business Class cabin in a 1-2-1 seating configuration on this route for the first time.
On the Dubai–Beirut route, flight EK953 departs Dubai at 15:40 and arrives in Beirut at 17:00, while the return flight EK954 departs Beirut at 19:45 and arrives in Dubai at 00:50 the following day. The schedule is designed to support onward connections to cities with large Lebanese communities, including destinations in Australia, North America, and Europe. Many of these routes are served by aircraft featuring the same Premium Economy configuration, allowing for a consistent onboard experience.
For the Dubai–Beijing service, flight EK306 departs Dubai at 03:20 and arrives in Beijing at 14:45, while the return flight EK307 departs Beijing at 00:40 and lands in Dubai at 05:30. From Beijing, passengers can connect onward to a range of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Gulf region within the Emirates network.
The refurbished four-class Boeing 777 aircraft features updated cabin interiors across all classes. The configuration includes 260 Economy Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, and eight First Class suites. Design updates include refreshed colour schemes, wood-finish elements, and regional design motifs.
Premium Economy seating offers additional space and comfort compared to Economy Class, including wider leather seats, increased recline, leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat power, a personal screen, and upgraded soft furnishings. Selected flights also offer enhanced dining and beverage options within this cabin.
The redesigned Business Class cabin provides direct aisle access for all passengers, with seats designed for work, dining, and rest. The layout and materials align with the airline’s newer widebody aircraft interiors.
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