Emirates is rolling out its retrofitted Boeing 777 fleet to two more key destinations — Zurich and Riyadh — beginning October 1, 2024, as the airline accelerates its cabin upgrade programme and brings Premium Economy to the Middle East for the first time.
Zurich and Riyadh Routes Get the Upgrade
Passengers on Emirates flights EK 85 and EK 86 to Zurich will board the newly retrofitted Boeing 777 from October 1, 2024. On the same date, Riyadh joins the network on routes EK 819 and EK 820 — a milestone moment as it marks the debut of Emirates' Premium Economy cabin in the Middle East and GCC region.
The expansion follows the launch in Geneva, which became the first city on the Emirates network to operate retrofitted aircraft on all its flights from September 22, 2024, using EK 89 and EK 90. Brussels is next, with the retrofitted Boeing 777 deployed on flights EK 181 and EK 182 six times weekly from October 9, 2024.
Four-Class Cabin Configuration
The retrofitted Boeing 777 operates in a four-class layout designed to elevate the experience across every cabin:
- First Class: 6 to 8 private suites - Business Class: 38 seats arranged four abreast - Premium Economy: 24 seats in a 2-4-2 layout - Economy: 256 seats
The redesigned Business Class delivers a 180-degree fully flat bed with a width of 20.7 inches, direct aisle access for every seat, a personal mini-bar, a wooden dining table, and multiple charging points.
Premium Economy: What Passengers Get
Emirates' Premium Economy cabin features 19.5-inch-wide cream leather seats with a 38-inch pitch and 8 inches of recline, backed by a six-way adjustable headrest, a calf rest, and a footrest. Passengers also benefit from a dedicated dining menu inspired by the Business Class service — a meaningful step up from standard Economy.
Fleet Progress Towards 28 Destinations
Emirates had retrofitted 25 Boeing 777 aircraft at the time of this announcement, with 17 additional aircraft scheduled to complete the programme by December 2024. The airline is on track to offer its new Premium Economy on 28 destinations before the end of the year as it continues one of the most ambitious narrow-cabin retrofit programmes in commercial aviation.
