Emirates’ retrofit programme has entered its next phase, with 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s lined up to receive the airline’s latest cabin innovations. Starting from August 2026, the airline will introduce a variety of new onboard products, alongside a redesigned in-flight entertainment system and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity with Starlink on these aircraft as part of its 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 Astrova inflight entertainment system, to deliver an elevated and consistent passenger experience on the next 111 aircraft set for retrofit.

READ: Qatar launches next gen Qsuite

Business Class on both the A380 and Boeing 777 will receive an upgrade based on the leather S Lounge seats by Safran, already featured on the airline’s A350 fleet. Customers will  enjoy 4K entertainment, better storage, minibar amenities, and multiple charging options including USB-C and wireless ports.

Premium Economy, Emirates’ latest cabin class, will feature Recaro’s  seating with a mechanical recline system. Spacious leather seats will continue to offer generous comfort with integrated leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, and amenities including in-seat charging, a side cocktail table, and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen

READ: LATAM orders Recaro premium seats for B787 retrofit

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.

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.

Sir Tim Clark, President 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.”

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.