Emirates rolls out next phase of retrofit program with seating and IFEC upgrades
Business Class on both the A380 and 777 will receive an upgrade with Emirates' latest generation seating, inspired by leather S Lounge seats by Safran
Emirates' has announced its retrofit program is entering its next phase, with 60 A380s and 51 777s lined up to receive the airline’s latest cabin innovations. Starting from August 2026, the airline will introduce a host of new onboard products, alongside a next-generation, fully immersive inflight entertainment system and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity with Starlink on these aircraft as part of its extensive fleet modernization 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 advanced Astrova inflight entertainment system, to deliver an elevated and consistent passenger experience on the next 111 aircraft set for retrofit.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Emirates’ retrofit program is about continuously elevating standards across our entire fleet. Working with our long-standing partners, we are 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.”
Seating upgrades
Business Class on both the A380 and 777 will receive an upgrade with Emirates' latest generation seating, inspired by leather S Lounge seats by Safran, already featured on the airline's A350 fleet. Each seat creates a more private space where thoughtful details elevate the journey, from wireless charging integrated into the side cocktail table to customisable in-seat lighting. Passengers can enjoy 4K ice entertainment, thoughtfully designed storage, minibar amenities, and multiple charging options including USB-C and wireless ports.
Premium Economy, Emirates' newest cabin class, will feature RECARO's advanced seating technology with a mechanical recline system. Spacious leather seats will continue to offer comfort with integrated leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, and thoughtful amenities including in-seat charging, a side cocktail table, and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, striking the perfect balance between value and luxury.
Economy Class passengers can 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, in addition to other thoughtful tech touches.
Entertainment and connectivity
Emirates has selected Panasonic Avionics to upgrade its IFE products on the A380 and 777s with the Astrova inflight entertainment platform.
Emirates passengers enjoy 4K OLED HDR10+ displays with vivid colours, infinite contrast, and perfect blacks. Spatial Audio immerses travelers in rich, multi-dimensional sound, whether using Emirates' premium headsets or their own wireless devices via Bluetooth. Powerful 67W USB-C charging at every seat ensures all devices stay charged throughout the journey. The system's modular design enables independent upgrades to display, power delivery and connectivity as the technology evolves.
The platform also integrates Panasonic's Arc 3D 4K Moving Map, delivering an immersive flight-tracking experience. Seamlessly integrated with Emirates' Skywards program, the platform's intelligent recommendation engine learns individual preferences to suggest personalized content throughout the flight. Behind the scenes, real-time engagement insights allow Emirates to continuously refine its entertainment library.
Emirates is enhancing the travel experience further with fleet-wide Starlink connectivity, installed concurrently with the cabin retrofit program across both A380 and 777 aircraft. The coordinated rollout strategy, integrating connectivity installations within the existing retrofit schedule, accelerates delivery of the complete Emirates experience across its global network.
Emirates retrofit program progress
The retrofit program builds on Emirates' track record of continuous investment in its products and services. First announced in 2021 with 120 aircraft slated for full refurbishment, the airline expanded its retrofit program to 191 aircraft in May 2024 before further scaling it to 219 aircraft later that year, a testament to its commitment to deliver exceptional experiences across its fleet.
To date, 76 aircraft have undergone refurbishment, with each A380 requiring approximately 22 days and each 777 taking 18 days to retrofit. The program maintains a steady cadence, with two freshly refurbished aircraft emerging each month.
