Emirates to roll out next phase of fleet retrofit programme, with 111 aircraft set for next-level enhancements

Emirates has announced the next phase of its fleet retrofit programme, targeting 111 aircraft—specifically 60 Airbus A380s and 51 Boeing 777s—for extensive upgrades starting in August 2026. Key Highlights of the Retrofit Programme:

Business Class Enhancements
- New generation seating inspired by Safran’s luxurious leather S Lounge seats.
- Features include wireless charging, customizable lighting, 4K entertainment, minibar amenities, and multiple charging options (USB-C + wireless).

Premium Economy Upgrades
- Recaro’s advanced seating technology with mechanical recline.
- Spacious leather seats with integrated leg/footrests, adjustable headrests, and 13.3-inch entertainment screens.

Economy Class Improvements
- Lightweight Safran Z400 seats designed for long-haul comfort.
- Adjustable eight-way headrests for better neck and head support.

Next-Gen Entertainment & Connectivity
- Panasonic’s Astrova inflight entertainment system with 4K OLED HDR10+ displays, Spatial Audio, Bluetooth pairing, and 67W USB-C charging.
- Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity rolled out fleet-wide for faster, more reliable internet.
- Immersive Arc 3D 4K Moving Map integrated with Emirates Skywards for personalized content recommendations.

Programme Scale & Timeline
- Builds on Emirates’ earlier retrofit plan (expanded to 219 aircraft in 2024).
- Already 76 aircraft refurbished (each A380 takes ~22 days, each 777 ~18 days).
- Two freshly refurbished aircraft are delivered each month to routes worldwide.

Strategic Goal
Emirates aims to deliver product consistency at scale, ensuring passengers experience the same high standards across its fleet—whether flying on newly delivered aircraft or retrofitted ones.

This move underscores Emirates’ commitment to continuous investment in passenger comfort, innovation, and connectivity, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s leading premium airlines.