Emirates Debuts Refurbished Boeing 777 with Premium Economy on South African Routes
Emirates has marked a new chapter in its African operations by introducing its fully retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft to both Cape Town and Johannesburg, making these cities the first in Africa to experience the airline’s next-generation cabins and the much-anticipated Premium Economy Cabin. This move underscores Emirates’ ongoing commitment to the South African market and signals a significant upgrade in passenger experience for regional and international travellers alike.
During a recent guided tour of the refreshed aircraft, Emirates showcased a host of enhancements that set a new benchmark for comfort and style. The refurbished 4-class Boeing 777 features interiors with modern colour palettes, bespoke Ghaf Tree motifs, and elegant wood finishes throughout all cabins. The aircraft is configured with 260 latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 38 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, and eight First Class Suites, offering a tailored experience for every type of traveller.
The Business Class cabin has been completely redesigned, now featuring a 1-2-1 configuration that ensures direct aisle access, enhanced privacy, and ample space for work or relaxation. Each seat is upholstered in champagne leather, echoing the luxury found on Emirates’ flagship A380s, and finished with detailed stitching and plush headrests for added comfort.
For South African travellers, the debut of the Premium Economy Cabin is a notable milestone. This new class bridges the gap between Economy and Business, offering wider seats, greater recline, and upgraded amenities—ideal for both business and leisure passengers seeking extra comfort on long-haul journeys.
These enhancements are part of Emirates’ ambitious USD \$5 billion retrofit programme, launched in November 2022. The initiative is one of the largest of its kind in the aviation industry, targeting a total of 219 A380s and Boeing 777s for comprehensive nose-to-tail upgrades. The project is managed entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering, with a dedicated team of over 270 engineers and technicians working around the clock. Each aircraft requires more than 1,800 manhours to complete, reflecting the scale and precision of the undertaking.
To date, 67 aircraft have emerged from the retrofit programme—32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s—each equipped with the latest cabin innovations. Upon completion, Emirates will have installed 8,512 next-generation Premium Economy seats, 2,034 refreshed First-Class suites, 12,720 upgraded Business Class seats with new configurations, and 68,364 thoughtfully overhauled Economy Class seats. This extensive investment is designed to elevate the onboard experience for millions of passengers and maintain Emirates’ reputation as a leader in global aviation.
For the African travel sector, Emirates’ decision to debut its retrofitted Boeing 777s in South Africa is a strong endorsement of the region’s importance as a premium travel market. The introduction of Premium Economy and the latest cabin designs is expected to attract a broader range of travellers, from corporate clients to families and leisure seekers, while also raising the bar for service standards on the continent.
As international demand for enhanced comfort and innovative onboard experiences continues to grow, Emirates’ retrofit programme sets a new benchmark for airlines operating in and out of Africa. The move is likely to spur further investment in fleet upgrades and passenger amenities across the region, as carriers compete to capture the loyalty of a discerning and increasingly mobile customer base.
With Johannesburg and Cape Town now at the forefront of this transformation, African travellers can look forward to a new era of comfort, choice, and sophistication in the skies—reinforcing the continent’s status as a key player in the global aviation landscape.
