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Emirates to Launch New Boeing 777 Business Class with Upgraded 1-2-1 Layout and Enhanced Features on August 11

Emirates to Launch New Boeing 777 Business Class with Upgraded 1-2-1 Layout and Enhanced Features on August 11

Emirates is set to launch its new Boeing 777 business class this upcoming Sunday, August 11, marking the end of the outdated 2-3-2 seating arrangement that left passengers trapped in a middle seat.

The Gulf carrier has announced that its “next generation” 777 business class draws inspiration from the A380’s layout, featuring a 1-2-1 configuration along with an array of modern amenities, including:

  • A staggered seating arrangement providing direct aisle access for every seat
  • A 23” HD screen, the same size as the current 777 business class
  • Personal mini-bars
  • Generously sized tables for dining and working
  • Ample stowage for personal devices

While details about high-tech features like wireless and USB-C charging options are limited, Emirates has previously emphasized that the updated 777 business class will incorporate “next level technology.”

As anticipated, the revamped Boeing 777 business class cabin will also include a small bar area for passengers to quickly grab mid-flight snacks and refreshments, similar to what is found in Emirates’ long-haul Boeing 777-200LRs.

The new business class will feature a total of 38 lie-flat seats, a reduction from the previous 42, alongside a dedicated cabin of 24 premium economy recliners, with first class also receiving enhancements.

“Taking cues from our flagship A380, the refreshed interiors of our Boeing 777 provide the best in customer comfort,” said Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, who noted that “everything will be streamlined in terms of product offerings and kept consistent across the Emirates fleet.”

The existing 2-3-2 business class configuration on the Boeing 777 will be replaced by a modern design that offers enhanced privacy for passengers, along with additional thoughtful features that emphasize Emirates’ exceptional value proposition.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has referred to this next-generation 777 business class as “effectively mirroring what we have on the A380” with regard to layout and core seat features, although it is anticipated that the new business class may include trendy privacy doors.

The seats will be provided by Safran, a French multinational aerospace specialist. Their SkyLounge product currently forms the basis of Emirates’ A380 business class, while the Unity business class platform is expected to be implemented in the Boeing 777 refurbishment and the new Airbus A350. Unity features spacious staggered 1-2-1 seats with high walls and sliding doors, and has also been selected by Qantas for use on its Airbus A350 business class, set to debut with non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York in mid-2026.

Emirates plans to upgrade more than 80 of its Boeing 777s with the new business class seating and its popular premium economy cabin to address ongoing delays with the Boeing 777X; each complete overhaul is expected to take roughly two weeks.

The first modified Emirates Boeing 777s are on track to be introduced shortly. As previously mentioned, Emirates anticipates receiving its first Airbus A350 in August 2024, with flights commencing in mid-September, while also revamping its A380s for continued service until at least 2041.

The superjumbo’s first class and business class cabins will see an update with a lighter color palette, transitioning from the traditional gold and faux-walnut finishes to softer tones and cream-colored leather upholstery similar to the updated cocktail bar and the latest 777 first class suites.

The A380’s 14 first class suites will also be enhanced, featuring higher walls for added privacy and wider seats for improved comfort.

In the meantime, the delivery of Emirates’ first Boeing 777-9 is still two years away. “Currently, it looks like the delivery will be delayed from 2025 to 2026,” Kazim noted during a recent IATA conference in Dubai, adding that this postponement influenced the airline’s decision to upgrade its 777-300ERs.

The new 777 Business class routes as follow here:

  • EK83/EK84 between Dubai and Geneva, from 11 August
  • EK312/EK313 between Dubai and Tokyo Haneda, from 1 September
  • EK183/EK184 between Dubai and Brussels, from 11 September
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