Top 10 tips customers should know about Emirates’ retrofit project

It also adds a touch of humour while depicting the Emirates team working together, against the very real scale of the world’s largest aviation retrofit project.The storyline follows an Emirates Captain and his family, who choose to refurbish the Boeing 777 aircraft instead of their home on a gameshow called ‘Do It Yourself Dubai’. The Captain is thrilled as the scene cuts away to Emirates Engineering facility, where a team of engineers are on hand to undertake the retrofit work – the biggest ‘DIY’ project ever seen in aviation.Top 10 tips customers should know about Emirates’ retrofit projectEmirates retrofit programme is essentially a full cabin makeover inside the aircraft – where everything is removed and brand-new designs and seating are installed with Emirates’ customer comfort in mind. We’re talking next-generation seating, sleek new washrooms, more storage, better inflight connectivity and entertainment, and a luxurious aesthetic that ensures an elegant flight.As part of the retrofit, Emirates is installing its new Premium Economy cabin class on every aircraft. A luxury experience that’s already won awards, Premium Economy sets a new benchmark for an elevated travel with spacious seats that recline, integrated leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in seat charging, a side table, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen and generous dining served on linen tablecloths. Customers can also enjoy a curated selection of premium beverages, including red and white wines, as well as exclusive Chandon sparkling wine.During the retrofit, Emirates is using the opportunity to install Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet. That means complimentary, ultra-fast Wi-Fi for everyone, even at 40,000 feet. Customers will be able to stream content, game, make calls, work, and browse social media on their personal devices.In the latest phase of the retrofit starting in October 2026, Emirates will be installing 4K OLED HDR10+ display screens installed on seatbacks of 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s. This means more vivid colours and rich, multi-dimensional sound, whether using Emirates' premium headsets or your own wireless devices via Bluetooth.Emirates Economy Class customers will benefit from the introduction of new, lightweight Safran Z400 seats, specifically designed for comfort and convenience – with the installation of this new model beginning in October 2026. This includes an adjustable eight-way headrest for neck and head support, in addition to upgraded in-seat charging capabilities.Emirates Business Class continues to be upgraded with new sophisticated seating, inspired by the luxurious leather S Lounge seats by Safran, already featured on the airline's A350 fleet. Each seat creates a more private space and offers wireless charging integrated into the side cocktail table and customisable in-seat lighting. Customers will have more storage, minibar amenities, and multiple charging options including USB-C and wireless ports.Emirates First Class, which has been described as a ‘hotel room in the sky, offers First Class customers spacious, private suites above the clouds. Innovative technologies in Emirates First Class suites include electronically controlled privacy doors, with personal temperature controls and adjustable mood lighting. The retrofit to First Class also includes the A380 Onboard shower and sofas in the A380 Onboard Lounge. As part of the latest enhancements, Emirates is also introducing the latest generation of Bowers Wilkins First Class headphones, the E2, delivering significantly improved noise cancellation for an even more immersive inflight experience.To date, Emirates has completed 94 aircraft makeovers. That’s 125 more for its talented teams to roll out!Emirates retrofit initiative is a truly a ‘DIY Dubai’ project. Every single aircraft is being refurbished by Emirates own Engineering team. It takes 18 days, with engineers working around the clock to retrofit one Boeing 777 aircraft, and even more for the ‘double decker’ A380, which takes 22 days.About the new Emirates videoWith the humorous idea for a game show and ‘DIY Dubai’ developed in-house at Emirates, the production was filmed in a studio in Prague and onboard real aircraft in Emirates’ hub of Dubai. A cast of actors were hired to represent Emirates’ diverse teams, and the video was produced by Framestore Pictures in London with direction from William Bartlett and Simon Willows.From May 2026, the video will be in full flight across the world, reminding customers that Emirates provides an unrivalled travel experience onboard with sleek and luxurious interiors, comfortable seats, award-winning inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine and acclaimed beverages, and world class cabin crew.Customers can experience the exact aircraft shown in the video for themselves - the retrofitted 777-300ER or retrofitted 777-200LR – now flying to and from Dubai across 40 destinations, with 10 more to follow soon. The 40 destinations are Athens, Barcelona, Basra, Beijing, Beirut, Bogotá, Boston, Brussels, Cape Town, Chicago, Colombo, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dammam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Kochi, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait City, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Malé, Manama, Melbourne, Mexico City, Miami, Mumbai, Newark, Phuket, Riyadh, Seattle, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tokyo and Vienna. The next 10 destinations are Addis Ababa, Brisbane, Karachi, Milan, Mauritius, Narita, Singapore, Taipei, Tehran and Ho Chi Minh City.