Emirates has today unveiled its much anticipated new Boeing 777 business class. Well, you should definitely manage your expectations, as it should look familiar…
In this post:
Emirates’ first reconfigured 777 enters service
Emirates is in the process of retrofitting 191 of its planes to update the passenger experience. While the airline started with reconfiguring Airbus A380s, the focus is now on reconfiguring many existing Boeing 777s, which feature rather outdated cabins.
On the 777s, the most significant difference is that Emirates is introducing a new business class product, and is also introducing premium economy, both of which are long overdue.
Emirates’ first Boeing 777 to go “under the knife” has now been reconfigured, and it’s the plane with the registration code A6-EQH. While this plane took a bit over a month to reconfigure, it’s expected that going forward, the project will take around two weeks per jet.
Here are the first routes that are expected to get the new cabins:
- EK83/84 to & from Geneva (GVA) as of August 7, 2024
- EK312/313 to & from Tokyo (HND) as of September 1, 2024
- EK183/184 to & from Brussels (BRU) as of September 11, 2024
What’s interesting is that Emirates is reconfiguring its newest Boeing 777s first. So the airline is first flying reconfigured 777s on routes that are ordinarily served by the “Game Changer” 777, which also feature the new first class.
While that seems counterintuitive, I suspect the logic is that the airline also wants to first offer its new premium economy cabin on the most premium routes, and those are ones operated by the newest 777s.
Details of Emirates’ new 777 business class
Emirates has today revealed its new Boeing 777 business class, and frankly, it’s not much to get excited about. It’s essentially a slightly updated version of Emirates’ Airbus A380 business class:
- The reconfigured 777-300ERs have 38 business class seats, in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access from every seat (this represents a reduction of four seats compared to the old configuration)
- Emirates’ new business class is produced by Safran
- The seats feature a fully flat bed, and seats have 44″ of pitch, are 20.7″ wide, and turn into a 78.6″ bed
- The seats have 23″ HD screens, in addition to a personal minibar, a large tray table, charging outlets, and ample stowage
- The 777 business class cabin features a small bar for customers to quickly grab an inflight snack or refreshment
Here’s how Emirates President Tim Clark describes the reconfigured 777s:
“Emirates continues to carry out our commitment to deliver an unmatchable onboard experience with the introduction of our latest Boeing 777 with new signature interiors, raising the industry benchmark when it comes to premium travel. Our latest Business Class cabin offers customers a sense of exclusivity and privacy, complemented by our best-in-class suite of onboard products. The addition of our popular Premium Economy cabin, rated one of the best in the industry, injects modern sophistication to the flying experience and is carefully designed for more comfort. With more Boeing 777s and A380s refreshed to sport our latest generation onboard products, customers can consistently have the very best experiences in the sky across both aircraft types.”
I’m kind of underwhelmed by this…
While Emirates is generally considered to be one of the best airlines in the world, the company gets quite the halo effect from its Airbus A380s. Those planes have first class suites, business class seats with direct aisle access, shower suites, and a bar.
The carrier’s Boeing 777s are a totally different story, as most of these jets have angled flat business class seats that are in a 2-3-2 configuration. Getting an angled middle seat in 2024 on one of the world’s best airlines is quite disappointing.
So on the plus side, Emirates’ new 777 business class is a huge improvement over the old product. However, for a business class product being installed in 2024 on what’s regarded as one of the world’s best airlines, this is extremely disappointing.
Clark is one of the airline CEOs I respect most, but how can he say with a straight face that this new business class is “raising the industry benchmark when it comes to premium travel?”
Now, with Emirates introducing this product on 777s, I’m a little confused by what this means for the rest of the carrier’s fleet. At one point, Emirates executives were saying that the airline would be going for product consistency with new products going forward.
While Emirates’ fleet currently consists exclusively of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, the airline is undergoing some major fleet changes in the coming years. In the next couple of years, Emirates is planning on taking delivery of Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777Xs.
So does that mean Emirates will also only install this product on its newly delivered jets? That would be even more disappointing…
Are Emirates 777s being reconfigured with new first class?
Here’s a mystery that I can’t wrap my head around. Seven years ago, Emirates introduced its new Boeing 777 first class, and currently it’s only available on nine aircraft. I understand the reason for this slow rollout is primarily due to the delay of the Boeing 777X, as that aircraft has been pushed back by five years.
However, up until recently, we’ve been told that Emirates won’t be reconfiguring its 777s with the new first class, which is extremely disappointing. I suppose Emirates’ logic is that the airline has no trouble selling its current first class, and doesn’t want to reduce seat capacity by 25%.
However, according to this webpage about Emirates’ reconfigured 777s:
Our First Class Suites on our new Boeing 777 will have the latest technology, game‑changing zero gravity seats and floor‑to‑ceiling privacy doors. The middle suites will also feature our virtual windows so everyone can enjoy exterior views above the clouds.
Based on that, it sounds like Emirates does plan on retrofitting its existing 777s with the new first class. You’ll only find all of those features with Emirates’ new product. However, I’ve asked an Emirates spokesperson multiple times now for clarification on this, and all they’ve confirmed is that the first 777s to be reconfigured are the ones that have the new first class.
Something isn’t right here. Either Emirates has a surprise in store, or there’s just some miscommunication between the product folks, and the tech and marketing folks. Regardless, we’ll probably have to wait several months before we find this out for sure, given that the newest 777s are being reconfigured first, and those already have the new first class.
Bottom line
Emirates has finally revealed its “new” business class for reconfigured Boeing 777s, and it looks mighty similar to the carrier’s Airbus A380 business class. It’s essentially the same product, with just a few tech and cosmetic upgrades.
The airline will be reconfiguring 81 of these jets, so that they can stay in the fleet until the mid-2030s. With these planes being reconfigured, we’re seeing the introduction of direct aisle access business class, plus premium economy.
On the plus side, Emirates’ new 777 business class is a huge improvement over the carrier’s old business class. At the same time, I can’t help but be disappointed that this is the product that the airline is installing on planes in 2024. This product is at that this point average at best.
What do you make of Emirates’ new Boeing 777 business class?
I think they are a bit sneaky re the first class. I read somewhere between 6-8 seats will installed which aligns with game changer/old first. Sounds like they are not retrofitting the majority of the fleet with the game changer.
I think this product is magnificent, and helps Emirates bring itself up to the standards of the world's best airlines.
The Airbus 380 product is already top notch. The Boeing 777 product will soon be top notch as well.
It isn't just the soft product like the catering and courteous flight attendants, it is also the sheer opulence of the cabins which makes Emirates Airlines a star !
Not sure if the answer is here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emirates_the-first-emirates-boeing-777-with-a-nose-to-tail-activity-7226905081479086080-eOlq
It looks awful. Like 20yrs old plane. First class is great but all other classes ? Can't be bothered
Their premium economy is one of the best out there, albeit also one of the most expensive
The foot wells look wider than the seats. This is what Sir Tim Clark called "cutting edge" business class seats a few months ago. There is nothing cutting edge here. The product is an improvement over their outdated 2-3-2 business class though.
The gold ruins it, incredibly tacky and subpar.
My analytical judgement is they are augmenting an okayish seat with a better soft product. I mean who else is serving Veuve Cliquot (or champagnes of that caliber in Business Class) consistently? Their catering is decent, price wise they consistently cater premium/luxury wines. Amenit kits, decent lounges with pretty good snacks/food. They are the housewives of airlines. I have noted (either for economic/production) many airlines have downgraded to subpar champagnes. American for one serves prosecco...
My analytical judgement is they are augmenting an okayish seat with a better soft product. I mean who else is serving Veuve Cliquot (or champagnes of that caliber in Business Class) consistently? Their catering is decent, price wise they consistently cater premium/luxury wines. Amenit kits, decent lounges with pretty good snacks/food. They are the housewives of airlines. I have noted (either for economic/production) many airlines have downgraded to subpar champagnes. American for one serves prosecco (just eww!), Singapore Airlines downgraded from Charles Hiedsieck and Bollinger (which are more or less in the same caliber as VC), KLM and LH group serve what AF serves in coach or Y+. Cathay Pacific downgraded from Billecart Salmon to whatever they feel like serving. Qatar went from serving Laurent Perrier Cuvee Alexandre Rose, to Lanson and Drappier Rose(in Spring/Summer '24). People going on vacation want it the orange label and Hennessy XO for their content and to feel special. While the hard product isnt the most cutting edge, their soft product definitely is consistently blingy.
Errr... you are writing about champagne a lot, but, sorry to tell you - you don't know much about it (judged by what you've written). Veuve Cliquot same "caliber" as Charles or Bollinger?? It most certainly is not. "People going on vacation want it the orange label and Hennessy XO for their content and to feel special" ... oh dear. Orange label is special? What's next - Moet is special too...?
By the way -...
Errr... you are writing about champagne a lot, but, sorry to tell you - you don't know much about it (judged by what you've written). Veuve Cliquot same "caliber" as Charles or Bollinger?? It most certainly is not. "People going on vacation want it the orange label and Hennessy XO for their content and to feel special" ... oh dear. Orange label is special? What's next - Moet is special too...?
By the way - Singapore seem to be serving Piper Heidsieck - that's on par with Veuve... No-one in the industry (wine and restaurant/hospitality that is, and I'm talking high end fine dining) considers Veuve Yellow Label or Moet special... quite the opposite.
Not Bad compared to what they have currently! obviously not even close to Qatar, Quads!
Most overrated airline in the world, but most people have no idea that better options exist.
Like what?(I'm genuinely asking I'm not cynical)
Qatar, Etihad, Cathay, JAL, ANA
Their ME rivals, Etihad and Qatar both have a better product. I place Emirates last out of the three for business class.
If y have ever experienced Qatar Airways Q-suites y just will fly with them forever. Its a pity that Emirates not even introduced sliding doors to improve privacy..
Ek knows its clients. It knows what will work or not. It has gotten away with 2x3x2 for years, and people kept flying it. Those who stay away, are replaced by others.
This is what they have chosen (for whatever reason) If you don't like it, fly another carrier. ;-)
Not visionary, but a large step ahead from the previous product.
The halo is real, cannot tell you how many people proudly tell me they are flying MXP on EK with poor J seats
Emirates is truly the Apple of airlines
PERFECT description:
People who don't know any better, think that they're getting some kind of great product.
Totally true, no matter if your car is old and worn down as long as you can flaunt your iPhone 16 PRO, just like nouveau riche travellers who don't know any better and flaunt their Emirates mileage.
Maybe I missed it, but how many J seats compared to the old configuration? If there is the same amount of J seats this would be a game changer for me.
This feels like when Apple finally put USB-C on their iPhones, years after everyone else
Also does this mean some of the already-few GC 777-300ERs are out of service while these seats are being installed on them?
I would be surprised if they put new F on all the refurbed 777s for the sole reason it will reduce the number of seats they can sell from 8 to 6
Wasn’t expecting much more, very un-visionary. Inflated fares for a sub-par experience. Haven’t flown EK in years.
Flew 5 segments with them and will not be on them again. They simply do not care to invest in the product -- this J is a decade behind, and on my flights, they seem to have ignored maintainence as well, with a lavatory not locking, charging port broken, seat cushion damaged, and seat not reclining properly
Off topic but it does involve Emirates. Are they playing with fire? In recent days all airlines are avoiding Iran/Iraq, even Qatar Airways. But not Emirates, majority of their flights are still taking usual route. I have a flight from Europe to Dubai in few days and for the first time feeling very uneasy about it....
So many airlines are flying over Iran and Iraq. Just check flight radar. Even know I see 15 planes flying over.
Stay home
Not true. EK, QR, KLM etc have been avoiding said airspaces since some point last week.
Emirates has the brand now, people choose to fly it regardless, and it has a lot of customer loyalty. They don't need to be industry leading.
I get that the larger console, the larger footwell, but it’s way bigger than the seat which looks quite narrow to be honest.
“raising the industry benchmark when it comes to premium travel?”
Tim Clark just pulled a Tim Dunn!?
It always cracks me up how negative and critical the frequent flier community is. Yes, it's not the most innovative or exciting product, but I'd point out that the fact that this isn't that innovative or exciting shows just how comfortable flying in premium classes is now. Bottom line, this is a big improvement from their previous 777 J.
I agree with your point.
But there are certain airlines in the world - Virgin, Emirates and Qatar come to mind - that are always making so much hype and noise about how amazing and next level their products are. So, they need to be called out when they launch something that doesn't live up to the expectations they themselves have created.
To be really fair to Emirates, I'm not sure if they did that this time round? You had to be quite updated on the market to know that Emirates was pushing out a new product. This isn't like Lufthansa, who showed pictures and named their product seven years before it came out.
So MEH.
I can remember reading somewhere that the new 777 Business Class will feature "next level technology".
And here we have an off the shelf already outdated seat with no wireless charging, no bluetooth audio. Dumb.
Oh but forgot....it has a personal minibar with room temperature drinks WOWWWWWWW
I do think Emirates is falling behind the fierce competiton between airlines. Airlines like JAL and Qatar Airways improve their products so quickly, even Lufthansa is stepping forward. Unbelievable that EK is releasing such an outdated product.
Actually I don't get the point of installing a product onto a flagship game-changer 777. Well, though it isn't so outdated, it's neither the most private product, nor the latest. Why would one of the world's best airline do this? Frankly I think it's a bland move. Not bad, but could've been way more impressive.
It was pretty evident due to the lack of spin and PR that EK was not planning a game changing product, it’s certainly an improvement on the current product but lack of more privacy is a surprise.
If Emirates is one of your few options for many routes, this is an exciting development. Finally a normal ass product. Groundbreaking or exceptionally executed? No, but still this will make many people happy.
Mutton dressed as lamb comes to mind. To be expected from the most overrated airline in the world IMO. Gotta give it to them for their marketing skills.. Ask anyone off the street in UK which is the best airline and they will all say EK. This is despite being very average and having the worst J seats among all major airlines (2-3-2).
I was expecting a door and 4K screens, but this is probably just an interim solution until the new jets start rolling out, so I'd probably wait for the A350. But they could've lengthened the privacy shield nonetheless akin to CX's current longhaul seats.
To be honest, I’m not that bothered by this seat. Many premium travellers are not that fussed with the door. Furthermore, I think it was a solid product on the A380, and I like that they’re going for consistency across their fleet. The finishes I think are very nice, keeping the Emirates bling but also being easier on the eye, and personally I like the mini-bar, even though it’s not that useful.
Sure it is quite underwhelming product to be introduced in 2024.
On the other hand, many people have been saying that installing doors on a business class seat is pointless, but I'm sure that those people won't be happy to finally see a new business class seat without a door.
While it's such a big improvement over their old 777 business class seat, I can't help but realise that Emirates kinda messed up...
Sure it is quite underwhelming product to be introduced in 2024.
On the other hand, many people have been saying that installing doors on a business class seat is pointless, but I'm sure that those people won't be happy to finally see a new business class seat without a door.
While it's such a big improvement over their old 777 business class seat, I can't help but realise that Emirates kinda messed up with their refurbishment plan. Unless there's a problem with installing more GC first class suites, refurbishing already GC cabin-equipped planes first doesn't make sense.
Anecdotal though it may be, I've never even *heard* of someone booking away from a carrier due to the absence of doors.... or of doors factoring into their purchase decision in any way or fashion.
Not in passing, not even third party mention.
Concern for doors doesn't appear to exist outside of travel blogs.
I think doors add a bit personally but also it's rater insignificant to the whole experience and not worth going a more expensive or longer route with it
It makes perfect sense
These are the newest 777’s hence they have a longer useful life compared to a 20 year old one which will be retired in a few years
By refurbishing the newer planes first emirates can continue to fly them for years and years to come
@Guest - that's not what I'm saying.
Emirates also has 777s built between 2012-2017ish, and those still have their old cabin. My point was that Emirates should have started those not-so-old 777s first rather than those already have a newer cabin.
This is a very middling product, but it will be a while before the EK loyal flyers realize that other airlines in the region are providing a much much better experience. Add to it EK's vast network that gets most flyers to any destination with a single stop, and EK has rightly assessed the market situation that they do not need to over-invest than what they have done with this product.
If they havent realized until now, they will not realize after the change :-)
Much anticipated by who?
I don’t think many people expected much from Emirates. Their products have always been cheap and behind times, relying on a handful of “wow factor” elements that create the halo effect. In my opinion they are the most overrated airline as a whole! As I always say, clever marketing and it does the job because people buy into the ideology. Good for them though. They do well out of it!