Emirates Completes First 777 Retrofit

Emirates has re-entered its first Boeing 777 into service and configured it with the all-new cabin refresh.

The Dubai-based carrier has been overhauling its operation, including speeding up a retrofit programme that will cost billions.

As part of this retrofit programme, Emirates wants to elevate the customer experience and mitigate some of the operational impact of delayed aircraft deliveries.

When these next-gen planes arrive, Emirates hopes the multi-billion dollar investment in its existing fleet will allow for greater fleet harmony.

Geneva is the first airport to receive what Emirates describes as the latest Boeing 777 experience, with flights commencing August 7, 2024.

The highly anticipated retrofit includes new business class seats alongside the premium economy, which will debut on the aircraft for the first time.

Emirates’ process, which took 37 days in total, was efficient. They highlighted that the aircraft had entered service four days ahead of what was initially scheduled.

While elevating the interior, the reconfiguration has been done to make way for the planned Premium Economy class, which will include 24 seats in three rows spread across a 2-4-2 abreast layout.

The Premium Economy cabin will feature leather seats with wood panels throughout, a mainstay of the Emirates experience. The seats have a width of 19.5 inches and a pitch of 38 inches.

For the Business Class, there are 38 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, with each customer getting direct aisle access. The focus is on creating an inviting cabin with carefully thought-out features.

Emirates believes the seats have been enhanced following many studies on what makes the Airbus A380 so likeable, and the company is hoping to transition that towards other fleet types, especially as it knows one day it’ll be forced to move away from this famous fleet type.

Economy Class was also due for an overhaul. It has 256 seats, featuring more ergonomic seats designed specifically for longer flights, with adjustable headrests and side panels.

Emirates will refurbish 80 Boeing 777s in the future, a total investment of USD 3 billion, in addition to its existing commitment to improving the Airbus A380.