Emirates to retrofit 111 aircraft in next phase

Emirates airline’s retrofit programme is now entering its next phase, with 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s lined up to receive the airline’s latest cabin innovations.

Starting August 2026, the airline will introduce a host of new onboard products, alongside a next-generation in-flight entertainment system and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity with Starlink on these aircraft as part of its extensive fleet modernisation efforts.

Emirates Engineering, working with partners Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, Starlink, and UUDS, will introduce the latest seating designs and a new onboard lounge on 60 A380s, paired with Panasonic's advanced Astrova inflight entertainment system, to deliver an elevated and consistent passenger experience on the next 111 aircraft set for retrofit.

Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates airline, said: “Emirates’ retrofit programme is about continuously elevating standards across our entire fleet. Working with our long-standing partners, we're taking this commitment a step further with the aim of delivering product consistency at scale, in tandem with next-generation innovations in seating, entertainment, and connectivity being brought into service with our newly delivered fleet. Our customers expect an excellent experience every time they fly Emirates, and this investment ensures we deliver on that promise in the years to come, wherever they travel with us.”

Business Class on both the A380 and Boeing 777 will receive a sophisticated upgrade with Emirates' latest generation seating, inspired by the luxurious leather S Lounge seats by Safran, already featured on the airline's A350 fleet. Each seat creates a more private space where thoughtful details elevate the journey, from wireless charging integrated into the side cocktail table to customisable in-seat lighting. Customers will be able to enjoy 4K ice entertainment, thoughtfully designed storage, minibar amenities, and multiple charging options including USB-C and wireless ports.

Premium Economy, Emirates' latest cabin class, will feature Recaro's advanced seating technology with a mechanical recline system. Spacious leather seats will continue to offer generous comfort with integrated leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, and thoughtful amenities including in-seat charging, a side cocktail table, and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, striking the perfect balance between value and luxury.

Economy Class customers will benefit from the introduction of new, lightweight Safran Z400 seats, specifically designed for long-haul operations, with every detail designed for comfort and convenience. This includes an adjustable eight-way headrest for unrivalled neck and head support, in addition to other thoughtful tech touches.

Emirates has selected Panasonic Avionics to upgrade its IFE products on the A380 and Boeing 777s with the cutting-edge Astrova inflight entertainment platform, representing the airline’s commitment to delivering next-generation experiences.

Emirates customers will enjoy visual clarity on 4K OLED HDR10+ displays that rival premium home cinema systems, with vivid colours, infinite contrast, and perfect blacks that bring every frame to life. Spatial Audio immerses customers in rich, multi-dimensional sound, whether using Emirates' premium headsets or their own wireless devices via Bluetooth. Powerful 67W USB-C charging at every seat ensures all devices stay charged throughout the journey. The system's modular design enables independent upgrades to display, power delivery, and connectivity as the technology evolves.

The platform also integrates Panasonic's Arc 3D 4K Moving Map, delivering an immersive flight-tracking experience. Seamlessly integrated with Emirates' Skywards programme, the platform's intelligent recommendation engine learns individual preferences to suggest personalised content throughout the flight. Behind the scenes, real-time engagement insights allow Emirates to continuously refine its entertainment library, ensuring the selection always reflects what customers want to watch, hear, and explore.

Emirates is enhancing the travel experience further with fleet-wide Starlink connectivity, installed concurrently with the cabin retrofit programme across both A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The coordinated rollout strategy, integrating connectivity installations within the existing retrofit schedule, accelerates delivery of the complete Emirates experience across its global network.

The retrofit programme builds on Emirates' track record of continuous investment in its products and services. First announced in 2021 with 120 aircraft slated for full refurbishment, the airline expanded its retrofit programme to 191 aircraft in May 2024 before further scaling it to 219 aircraft later that year, a testament to its commitment to deliver exceptional experiences across its fleet.

To date, 76 aircraft have undergone refurbishment, with each A380 requiring approximately 22 days and each Boeing 777 taking 18 days to retrofit. The programme maintains a steady cadence, with two freshly refurbished aircraft emerging each month ready to elevate the experience on routes worldwide.