Emirates to upgrade 111 planes with next-generation cabins and Starlink Wi-Fi
Dubai airline partners with leading global suppliers for cabin innovations
DUBAI – Emirates is set to enter the next phase of its fleet retrofit programme, with 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s scheduled to receive extensive upgrades starting August 2026.
The move includes the introduction of advanced cabin products, a fully immersive in-flight entertainment system, and fleet-wide Starlink connectivity, further modernising the airline’s long-haul operations.
Emirates Engineering will work closely with partners including Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, Starlink, and UUDS to deliver the enhancements, which feature the latest seating designs, a refreshed onboard lounge for the A380s, and Panasonic’s Astrova inflight entertainment system. The initiative is part of Emirates’ long-term commitment to passenger comfort, privacy, and consistency across its fleet.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, emphasised: “Our retrofit programme is about continuously elevating standards. We are taking our commitment further with next-generation innovations in seating, entertainment, and connectivity. Customers expect excellence every time they fly Emirates, and this investment ensures we deliver on that promise.”
Premium seating
Business Class across both aircraft types will feature Emirates’ latest-generation seats, inspired by Safran’s S Lounge design on the A350 fleet. Each seat offers enhanced privacy, wireless device charging integrated into the cocktail table, customisable lighting, minibar amenities, and multiple USB-C and wireless charging options.
Premium Economy seats, built by Recaro, combine mechanical recline systems, leather upholstery, adjustable headrests, and integrated leg and footrests. Each cabin includes a side cocktail table and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, balancing value and luxury for long-haul passengers.
Economy Class will benefit from lightweight Safran Z400 seats, designed for long-haul comfort with eight-way adjustable headrests and thoughtful tech integrations. These enhancements aim to improve comfort, convenience, and ergonomics throughout the cabin.
Entertainment upgrades
Emirates has selected Panasonic Avionics to implement the Astrova platform, delivering a next-generation IFE experience. Customers will enjoy 4K OLED HDR10+ displays, vivid colours, perfect contrast, and immersive Spatial Audio, compatible with both Emirates headsets and personal Bluetooth devices.
Each seat offers 67W USB-C charging, while the system’s modular design allows independent upgrades to displays, power, and connectivity. Panasonic’s Arc 3D 4K Moving Map enhances flight tracking, and a personalised recommendation engine integrated with Emirates Skywards ensures curated content for every passenger.
Enhanced connectivity
Fleet-wide Starlink connectivity will be installed alongside the cabin retrofits, providing high-speed internet across both A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The coordinated rollout ensures minimal downtime while delivering a seamless digital experience across Emirates’ global network.
Since the programme’s launch in 2021, Emirates has refurbished 76 aircraft, with A380 upgrades taking roughly 22 days and Boeing 777 retrofits 18 days. The schedule maintains a cadence of two freshly upgraded aircraft emerging monthly, expanding the modernised experience to more long-haul routes worldwide.