Emirates Expands Premium Boeing 777 Fleet on Riyadh Routes
In a move to elevate travel experiences for passengers flying to Saudi Arabia, Emirates has announced plans to deploy its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on its second and third daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh. Starting on March 30 and May 7, 2025, respectively, this upgrade will make Riyadh the first city in the Middle East and GCC region to be exclusively served by Emirates’ latest retrofitted fleet, featuring its premium cabin offerings.
The airline’s enhanced Boeing 777 fleet introduces travelers to Emirates’ most advanced products across all cabin classes. This includes the highly acclaimed Premium Economy, now available in a 2-4-2 seating configuration, providing passengers with greater comfort and extra space. Business Class has also been reimagined with a 1-2-1 layout that offers direct aisle access for every seat, ensuring optimal privacy and convenience. Additionally, the refurbished aircraft boasts refreshed First Class suites and a modernized Economy Class cabin, delivering a superior flying experience for all travelers.
Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s will operate on the following routes:
– From March 30, 2025, flights EK815 and EK816 will feature the upgraded Boeing 777. – Beginning May 7, 2025, the third service, EK817 and EK818, will also operate with the refurbished aircraft, initially six times a week. Daily service will commence on August 11, 2025.
This expansion follows the introduction of the refurbished Boeing 777 on Emirates’ Riyadh route in October 2024, serving flights EK819 and EK820. After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from passengers, the airline has decided to extend its premium offerings to more flights, ensuring travelers to Riyadh can enjoy the best-in-class experience in every cabin. Emirates also intends to deploy these upgraded aircraft on additional routes in the coming months, further extending its network of premium air travel services.
In addition to the onboard enhancements, Emirates rolled out its exclusive Chauffeur-Drive Service (CDS) in Riyadh in November 2024, offering First and Business Class passengers a seamless door-to-door travel experience. Riyadh is the only regional destination in the Emirates network to offer this premium service, which complements the airline’s exceptional onboard offerings. Emirates remains the sole carrier providing such a service in Riyadh, further solidifying its position as a leader in luxury travel.
Currently, Emirates operates 72 weekly flights to four key gateways in Saudi Arabia, utilizing a fleet of Boeing 777s and A380s. The airline’s decision to invest in its Riyadh operations underscores the city’s growing importance as a regional travel hub and a key market for Emirates. The introduction of the retrofitted Boeing 777s and premium services is expected to attract both leisure and business travelers, offering them unparalleled comfort and connectivity to Dubai and beyond.
For African travel agents, this development presents significant opportunities to market Emirates’ premium products to travelers seeking exceptional experiences. With Riyadh serving as a major gateway to Saudi Arabia, the enhanced services on the Dubai-Riyadh route make it an ideal choice for clients looking for a seamless and luxurious journey. Additionally, Emirates’ Premium Economy product offers a compelling option for mid-range travelers seeking affordability without compromising on comfort.
As Emirates continues to innovate and expand its premium fleet, travelers to Riyadh can look forward to elevated travel experiences that reflect the airline’s commitment to excellence. Whether it’s the enhanced cabin configurations, premium services like Chauffeur-Drive, or the promise of seamless connections through Dubai, Emirates is setting a new standard for air travel in the region.
