Emirates has launched a multi-billion dollar fleet renewal program that will see 120 Airbus A380s and 777s with a full cabin refresh. The update will include the installation of Premium Economy seats and more, with each aircraft expected to turnaround in only 16 days.
On Wednesday (August 17, 2022), Emirates announced the kick-start to a multi-billion dollar fleet retrofit project for 120 Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. The cabin refresh will include the installation of Premium Economy seats and much more. After clockwork planning and testing, the carrier plans to turnaround each aircraft in an astonishing 16 days. The project will commence in November 2022 and will be managed directly by Emirates’ in-house Engineering Team. Over the next two years, the airline’s goal is to finish four aircraft every month.
Once 67 earmarked A380 super jumbos are refreshed and back in service, 57 Boeing 777s will then undergo a cabin retrofit. In total, over 4,000 brand new Premium Economy seats will be installed, along with the refurbishment of 728 First Class Suites, and the upgrade of over 5,000 Business Class seats to a new style and design. The project is expected to be completed by April 2025. Additionally, the aircraft will receive upgraded carpets, stairs and cabin interior panels, which will feature motifs including the iconic ghaf trees native to the UAE.
Emirates Retrofit Upgrade Infographic - Courtesy Emirates
Emirates began trials in July 2022 on an Airbus A380, where experienced engineers took each cabin apart while logging every step, with the goal of delelopin a process to complete each aircraft in only 16 days. As part of the program, Emirates Engineering set up new purpose-built workshops to re-paint, re-trim and re-upholster Business and Economy Class seats with new cushioning and covers. First Class suites will be dismantled and sent to a specialized company to replace the leather, arm rests and other materials. During the trials, Emirates’ Engineers discovered several creative solutions to expedite the refresh project. For example, existing catering food trucks could be repurposed to move components from the aircraft to the workshop.
Emirates’ new Premium Economy cabin offers luxurious seats and more legroom, accompanied by a service the rivals many competitors Business Class. Premium Economy is currently available on popular A380 routes to London, Paris and Sydney, with more destinations to be added as the retrofit program ramps up at the end of this year.
Emirates is an award-winning global airline, serving over 130 destinations on six continents via Dubai. The carrier operates the largest fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, which feature the latest comforts in the sky. The airline has been named ‘World Class Airline’ at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™, and has also been rated a Five Star Airline by APEX.
Source: Emirates