Emirates unveils Premium Economy B777 to celebrate 40 years in Pakistan
VIP guests tour the aircraft at Karachi airport event
DUBAI/KARACHI – Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, marked a major milestone in Karachi as it celebrated 40 years since launching its first-ever flight, EK600, to the city.
To commemorate the occasion, the airline showcased its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 equipped with Premium Economy cabins at Jinnah International Airport.
The special preview, held on the eve of Emirates’ 40th anniversary, welcomed government officials, aviation industry leaders, and media representatives for an exclusive walkthrough of the reconfigured four-class aircraft. The flight, operating as EK600, landed in Karachi at 10:45am, offering guests a first-hand look at Emirates’ Premium Economy class – now available on an expanding number of routes worldwide.
Attendees included Sharjeel Wasan, Director General of Customs Local Head; H.E. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi, Consul General of the UAE; and Ehsan Ullah, Director AvSec Ops & Plans, Airport Security Force, alongside senior representatives of Emirates, led by Mohammed Alhashmi, Emirates’ Vice President for Pakistan.
Strong bonds with Pakistan
Speaking at the ceremony, Mohammed Alhashmi highlighted Karachi’s unique place in Emirates’ journey. “Karachi holds a special place in Emirates' history as the first international destination where we made our maiden trip from Dubai,” he said. “Over the past 40 years, we have proudly connected Pakistan to the world, supporting travellers, businesses and communities. Our commitment has also contributed to the growth of Pakistan’s aviation sector and economy, while creating local employment opportunities.”
He added that Emirates has evolved into a global aviation leader since its 1985 launch, maintaining a modern fleet and consistently enhancing the passenger experience. “We hope to introduce our Premium Economy cabins to Karachi in the near future,” Alhashmi said, describing it as a game-changer for travellers seeking superior comfort and value.
Emirates’ milestones
Since beginning operations to Karachi in 1985, Emirates has carried more than 19 million passengers on over 87,000 flights between Dubai and Karachi. Across all five destinations served in Pakistan, the total rises to 36 million passengers on 146,000 flights.
Beyond passenger operations, Emirates transports more than 73,000 tonnes of cargo annually between Pakistan and international markets, playing a vital role in trade by facilitating the export and import of key commodities. Notably, the airline’s very first flight to Karachi generated revenue entirely from cargo, as all passengers were flown free of charge.
With three daily flights connecting Karachi to global destinations, Emirates remains a central player in the city’s aviation network. Popular travel routes from Karachi include Jeddah, Medina, London, Toronto, New York, Manchester, Kuala Lumpur, and Melbourne, as well as Emirates’ home hub in Dubai. Top feeder markets for Karachi include Bangkok, Dammam, and Sydney.
Premium Economy experience
The retrofitted Boeing 777 showcases Emirates’ latest Premium Economy cabins – designed for travellers who desire more comfort and space without the cost of Business Class. The cabin features spacious cream leather reclining seats with full leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, and in-seat charging points. Each seat includes a wood-finished side table, 13.3-inch HD screen, and a pillow and blanket for enhanced comfort.
Passengers in Premium Economy also enjoy regional dining menus highlighting local flavours and an expansive beverage selection, alongside complimentary amenity kits on select flights. Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system, with over 6,500 channels, now features a larger screen and an extended library of films, series, and albums, including content in Urdu.