Emirates is enhancing its global schedule with newly retrofitted aircraft and increased service frequencies across key destinations including Shanghai, Zurich, Milan, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Singapore. The updates come as part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to meet growing passenger demand and deliver a more refined inflight experience.
The airline’s fleet enhancement strategy, underpinned by its ambitious retrofit programme, continues at pace. Since November 2022, Emirates has retrofitted 60 aircraft, with one aircraft receiving a full nose-to-tail upgrade every three weeks. The refreshed aircraft, particularly the Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, offer the airline’s latest cabin products, including its increasingly popular Premium Economy.
Expanded Routes & Upgraded Aircraft
Starting 26 October, Emirates will implement the following route enhancements:
- Milan will receive a third daily flight (EK101/102), operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.
- Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, served on a linked route (EK247/248), will move to daily frequency.
- Shanghai will be served with an A380 on EK302/303, while its second daily flight (EK304/305) will use a retrofitted Boeing 777.
- Singapore will see an A380 added to its third daily service (EK314/315), enhancing capacity on the popular Dubai–Singapore route.
Looking ahead to 2026, Emirates has also announced:
- Its second daily Zurich service (EK85/86) will be upgraded to an A380 from 1 February 2026, replacing a retrofitted Boeing 777.
- Premium Economy will debut on Zurich’s EK87/88 route, also served by a retrofitted A380 from the same date.
These enhancements reflect Emirates’ response to surging demand and reinforce the airline’s commitment to delivering comfort and choice, particularly with its modernised aircraft and four-class configurations.
What’s Onboard the Retrofitted Aircraft
Passengers on Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s can expect:
- 6 or 8 First Class suites
- 38 or 40 Business Class seats
- 24 Premium Economy seats
- 256 Economy seats
On the A380, Premium Economy is located at the front of the main deck, featuring 56 seats in a 2-4-2 layout. Each seat offers:
- Expanded pitch and width
- In-seat power
- Personal cocktail tables
- Enhanced recline for comfort
The addition of Premium Economy, previously reserved for select routes, represents Emirates’ continued focus on bridging the gap between Economy and Business Class with upgraded travel experiences.
Seamless Booking & Travel
Customers can book flights via emirates.com, the Emirates App, retail stores, or through online and offline travel agencies. Despite global operating challenges, the airline reports steady performance across its network and anticipates continued growth through summer and into the 2025/2026 winter travel season.
As Emirates continues to roll out more refurbished aircraft and increase frequencies, the carrier remains firmly positioned at the forefront of premium international air travel.
