Emirates rolls out retrofitted Boeing 777 in South Africa
Dubai-based airline is investing $5 billion to transform its global fleet experience
DUBAI – Emirates has officially showcased its first fully retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft in Africa, with guided tours taking place in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The tours introduced South Africa to the airline’s next-generation cabins, including the debut of its highly praised Premium Economy experience. Johannesburg and Cape Town are the first African destinations to be served by the refreshed Boeing 777, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to the market as it celebrates three decades of service to South Africa.
Key aviation and tourism stakeholders attended the events, including Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, and Poppy Khoza, Director General of the South African Civil Aviation Authority, alongside Emirates executives Rashid Alardha, Vice President Commercial Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, and Afzal Parambil, Regional Manager for Southern Africa.
New cabin features
The four-class Boeing 777 offers a completely refreshed interior with new design elements such as Ghaf Tree motifs, wood finishes, and contemporary colour palettes. The aircraft accommodates 260 latest-generation Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 38 Business Class seats arranged in 1-2-1 configuration, and eight private First Class Suites.
Economy Class introduces high ceilings, a calming ocean-blue interior, and ergonomically designed seating with ample legroom. Premium Economy, available in South Africa for the first time, brings wide reclining leather seats with leg and footrests, a cocktail table with wood finish, in-seat charging points, a 13.3-inch screen, luxury pillows and blankets, and amenity kits on select flights. Travellers can also enjoy a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.
The Business Class cabin has been redesigned with champagne leather seating, soft cushioned headrests, and fully flat beds, offering privacy and direct aisle access. At the top end, First Class Suites continue to provide the renowned “hotel room in the sky” experience, now enhanced with refreshed finishes.
Retrofit programme
The aircraft forms part of Emirates’ $5 billion retrofit programme, launched in November 2022. It is one of the largest projects of its kind in the aviation industry, covering 219 aircraft, including both A380s and Boeing 777s. Work is handled entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering, where more than 270 engineers and technicians dedicate 1,800 manhours daily to each aircraft upgrade.
So far, 67 aircraft have completed the programme – 32 A380s and 35 Boeing 777s – with more to follow. Once the retrofit is complete, Emirates will have fitted 8,512 Premium Economy seats, refreshed 2,034 First Class suites, upgraded 12,720 Business Class seats, and overhauled 68,364 Economy seats across its fleet.
The introduction of the refurbished Boeing 777 in South Africa highlights Emirates’ focus on delivering world-class travel experiences to one of its most important long-haul markets. With a high proportion of repeat passengers travelling to destinations in Europe and the Far East, the refreshed product offering is designed to meet growing expectations for comfort and style.
For bookings and further details, passengers can visit the official website, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centres, or authorised travel agents.