Emirates expands Premium Economy network with upgraded 777 flights to Beirut and Beijing
New interiors bring four-class comfort across long-haul and regional routes
DUBAI – UAE’s premier airline Emirates has announced the introduction of retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy on services to Beirut and Beijing, further expanding the reach of its latest cabin products across key regional and long-haul markets.
The enhanced aircraft will begin operating flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut from 6 January 2026, followed by flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing from 1 February 2026.
With the addition of Beijing, the Chinese capital becomes the fourth city in the Chinese mainland to be served by Emirates’ refurbished Boeing 777s with next-generation interiors.
Beirut passengers, meanwhile, will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin and the newly designed Business Class in a 1-2-1 layout for the first time on this route.
Beirut schedule
On the Beirut service, flight EK953 will depart Dubai at 15:40hrs, arriving in the Lebanese capital at 17:00hrs. The return flight, EK954, is scheduled to leave Beirut at 19:45hrs and arrive back in Dubai at 00:50hrs. The timetable is designed to offer convenient onward connections to cities with large Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as North American destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Montreal.
Many of these onward routes are already operated by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380 aircraft with the airline’s latest interiors, allowing customers to enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both sectors of their journey.
Beijing connections
For Beijing, Emirates’ flight EK306 will depart Dubai at 03:20hrs, arriving at 14:45hrs. The return service, EK307, will take off from Beijing at 00:40hrs and land in Dubai at 05:30hrs. From the Chinese capital, travellers will be able to connect seamlessly to destinations across the airline’s global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé and Lisbon, as well as regional cities such as Kuwait, Riyadh and Amman.
Cabin features
The refurbished four-class Boeing 777 showcases a modernised interior design with updated colour palettes, Ghaf Tree motifs and wood finishes across all cabins. Each aircraft is fitted with 260 Economy Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and eight First Class suites.
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers leather seats with generous recline, leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side table and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen. Customers also receive plush pillows and blankets, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. The redesigned Business Class features privacy-focused seating with direct aisle access, champagne-coloured leather upholstery and enhanced space for work and rest.
Bookings are available via the official website, the Emirates App, contact centres and travel agents, with WeChat Pay supported on emirates.com for customers in China.