2024-05-07 09:48:00
First there will be 105 jets, then 120, now there will be 191. That’s how many Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s are getting a cabin overhaul at Emirates – and with it premium economy class.
Demand for flights is increasing, but at the same time new flights that have been ordered are delayed. Many airlines have had to deal with this scenario since the pandemic. In response, they are reactivating aircraft that were not meant to return, such as Lufthansa’s Airbus A380. They strengthen their fleets with more leased aircraft than usual And they keep older aircraft in use longer than originally planned.
But when planes fly longer than planned, at some point they need a cabin refresh. On the one hand because seats, tables etc. wear out over the years, and on the other hand because the product is simply no longer modern and attractive enough. This applies especially to airlines with premium requirements.
Originally planned for 105 aircraft
At Emirates, there is another aspect: While the airline from Dubai is waiting for the delayed Boeing 777X and Boeing 787, it still wants to expand its premium economy offer – and not only in The Airbus A350 will arrive from September.
Emirates had it Seat class presented at the end of 2020. The airline’s last six newly delivered Airbus A380s have already received the product. And in November 2021, Emirates also announced To retrofit 105 aircraft (53 Boeing 777 and 52 Airbus A380) and give them a new cabin.
First plus 15, now once more plus 71
In April 2022, she stated, 15 more A380s will follow. And in August 2023 the airline said: “Since Emirates launched its Premium Economy Class, the response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Demand exceeded expectations and orders increased month on month.”
On Tuesday (May 7), Emirates announced that a further 71 jets will be retrofitted, 43 Airbus A380s and 28 Boeing 777s, bringing the total number of retrofits to 191 aircraft. This ensures “product consistency across the entire fleet” and ensures that the “modernized aircraft are in active service well into the mid-2030s,” says Emirates.
Other classes are also being overhauled
Emirates has so far converted 22 A380s, each with 56 premium economy seats. In July, the first Boeing 777 will undergo an interior refresh. The overhaul of each Boeing 777 takes regarding two weeks. In addition to the installation of 24 premium economy seats, the first class cabin will also be renovated and new business class seats will be installed in a new 1-2-1 configuration.
“With the addition of the premium economy cabin, Emirates’ Boeing 777 will be equipped with 332 seats in four classes, including eight first class suites, 40 business class seats and 260 economy class seats,” the airline explains. To make room for the 24 premium economy seats, 50 economy seats will be removed.
This is how many seats Emirates will install
When Emirates’ retrofit program is complete, the airline will have installed 8,104 premium economy seats, 1,894 refreshed first class suites, 11,182 upgraded business class seats and 21,814 economy class seats.
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