Emirates to introduce latest A380 cabins on Dubai-Paris route
New aircraft configuration will operate daily from October 25
DUBAI – Emirates will introduce its award-winning Premium Economy cabin on flights between Dubai and Paris from October 25, 2026, deploying a retrofitted A380 on the route.
The aircraft will operate daily as EK071 and EK072, bringing the airline’s latest cabin products and services to the French capital. The move means all three of Emirates’ gateways in France, Paris, Lyon and Nice, will now offer Premium Economy.
The expansion follows a strong customer response to the cabin in Lyon and Nice, where Premium Economy has maintained a healthy seat load factor for both inbound and outbound journeys. Emirates said around one in 10 passengers travelling to Dubai from France chooses Premium Economy, highlighting demand for a cabin positioned between Economy and Business Class.
Growing demand
A significant share of traffic travelling into France on Emirates originates from long-haul markets, including the UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. With many of these journeys lasting more than 10 hours, passengers have increasingly been able to opt for additional space, greater comfort and an enhanced inflight experience.
Passengers travelling from France similarly head to long-haul destinations, alongside Indian Ocean islands such as the Maldives and Mauritius. These destinations are also served by Emirates aircraft featuring Premium Economy, allowing travellers to experience the cabin throughout their journey rather than switching between different cabin products.
Cedric Renard, Emirates’ Country Manager in France, said France remains an important and longstanding market for the airline and that the company was pleased to extend its newest cabin experience to all its French gateways.
He said the response in Lyon and Nice had been strong, while demand for Premium Economy continued to grow across Emirates’ global network. The expansion to Paris, he added, gives more customers in France access to the cabin's comfort, service and features.
Renard also described Paris as one of Emirates’ busiest global gateways for inbound and outbound travellers, saying the latest investment reflected the airline’s confidence in the French market and its long-term commitment to providing greater choice and premium travel options.
Premium Economy
The Premium Economy cabin on Emirates’ A380 is positioned at the front of the main deck and features 56 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. The cream leather seats recline and come with cushioned leg rests and six-way adjustable headrests, designed to provide additional support and comfort during longer journeys.
The dining experience includes gourmet, regionally inspired menus prepared by Emirates chefs. Meals are served on Royal Doulton fine china with linen napkins and stainless-steel Robert Welch cutlery, while a woodgrain dining table is built into each seat’s armrest.
The beverage selection includes La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 from Pessac-Léognan in Bordeaux, Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024 from Burgundy and Chandon Vintage Brut 2021 from Australia, which is exclusive to the Premium Economy cabin.
At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Premium Economy customers will have access to a dedicated check-in counter and priority boarding. The cabin also comes with a 35kg check-in baggage allowance and 10kg of carry-on baggage.
Refreshed A380
The introduction of Premium Economy is accompanied by upgrades across the retrofitted A380’s First, Business and Economy cabins. The aircraft has been refreshed from nose to tail, with a lighter interior featuring cream, bronze and sky blue tones alongside lighter wood finishes.
Emirates’ signature ghaf tree motif, a cultural symbol of the UAE, has also been incorporated throughout the aircraft.
The refreshed A380 retains two of the aircraft type’s most recognisable features: the Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa. Both have received updated interiors with polished woodgrain finishes, bronze accents and ambient lighting designed to complement the aircraft’s new look.
The daily EK071 and EK072 services will connect Dubai and Paris using the retrofitted A380 from October 25. Tickets are already available through Emirates’ website, the Emirates App, online and offline travel agents, and Emirates retail stores, including the Emirates Travel Store in Paris.
The airline also continues to offer flexible booking policies and comprehensive travel insurance as part of its travel options.