Emirates has announced the next phase of its extensive retrofit programme, which will enhance the cabins of 111 aircraft, including 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s. Starting in August 2026, the airline will introduce state-of-the-art onboard products, featuring a next-generation in-flight entertainment system and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity through Starlink. This initiative is part of Emirates’ commitment to modernising its fleet and improving the travel experience for passengers.
Emirates Engineering, in collaboration with partners such as Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, Starlink, and UUDS, will implement the latest seating designs and a new onboard lounge on the A380s. The upgraded cabins aim to deliver a consistent and elevated experience for passengers. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, emphasised the importance of this programme, stating, “Emirates’ retrofit programme is about continuously elevating standards across our entire fleet.”
The improvements will significantly enhance the Business Class experience on both the A380 and Boeing 777. New seating inspired by the luxurious leather S Lounge seats will provide passengers with increased privacy and comfort. Features such as integrated wireless charging, customisable in-seat lighting, and 4K entertainment options will create a more enjoyable journey. The Premium Economy cabin will also see advancements with Recaro’s latest seating technology, offering spacious leather seats with various amenities designed for comfort.
Economy Class passengers will benefit from the introduction of lightweight Safran Z400 seats, specially designed for long-haul flights. These seats will offer adjustable headrests and other convenient features aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. The focus on innovative design reflects Emirates’ ongoing efforts to improve the overall travel experience.
Upgrading in-flight entertainment is a key component of this retrofit programme. Emirates has chosen Panasonic Avionics to enhance its entertainment offerings on the A380 and Boeing 777s with the new Astrova in-flight entertainment platform. Passengers will enjoy exceptional visual clarity with 4K OLED HDR10+ displays, providing a cinematic experience that rivals premium home systems. Additionally, the system’s spatial audio capabilities will immerse passengers in rich sound, whether using Emirates’ premium headsets or their own devices.
A significant upgrade to connectivity is also on the horizon. Emirates will install Starlink connectivity throughout its fleet as part of the retrofit, ensuring all passengers can stay connected while traveling. This integrated approach allows the airline to enhance its overall service while maintaining efficient operations.
The retrofit programme builds on Emirates’ history of investing in its fleet. Initially announced in 2021 with a target of refurbishing 120 aircraft, the programme was expanded to 191 aircraft in May 2024 and later increased to 219 aircraft. To date, 76 aircraft have completed refurbishment, with each A380 taking approximately 22 days and each Boeing 777 around 18 days to upgrade. The airline maintains a steady refurbishment pace, with two newly refurbished aircraft returning to service each month.
Emirates’ commitment to enhancing passenger experience reflects its dedication to providing exceptional service across its global network. As the retrofit programme progresses, customers can expect an elevated travel experience that combines innovation, comfort, and connectivity, aligning with the airline’s long-term vision for excellence.
