ATM 2025: Emirates expands fleet with upgraded A380s and long-range A350 for Australia
UAE’s premier airline to roll out refurbished aircraft across 8 more cities
DUBAI: Emirates is ushering in a new era of travel comfort, expanding its network with newly retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s, along with the highly anticipated deployment of the long-range Airbus A350 to Australia.
The airline is set to serve over 70 cities by the end of 2025 with aircraft featuring state-of-the-art interiors, marking a milestone in its ongoing fleet enhancement programme.
This ambitious project, which includes the installation of more than 2 million Premium Economy seats annually, is part of Emirates' largest retrofit investment in aviation history, valued at US $5 billion.
Long-range A350 launch
In a major development, Emirates will deploy its first long-range Airbus A350 aircraft to Australia, with flights to Adelaide scheduled to commence on 1 December 2025. This new addition to the fleet is expected to revolutionise long-haul travel, offering over 15 hours of non-stop flight time. The Airbus A350-900ULR, capable of covering distances of more than 14,000 km, will feature 32 lie-flat Business Class seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy Class seats. Emirates plans to receive five such long-range A350 aircraft by the end of 2025, further strengthening its global presence.
Emirates' fleet expansion
As part of its efforts to deliver an unparalleled travel experience, Emirates will introduce its retrofitted A380s and Boeing 777s to eight more cities in the coming months. These upgrades will see the aircraft fitted with the airline’s latest cabins, including Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class configurations.
From 1 July 2025, Emirates will deploy its refurbished A380s to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Nice, and Perth, while the retrofitted Boeing 777s will be introduced to Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, and Frankfurt. This expansion will offer travellers increased opportunities to enjoy Emirates’ premium services on long-haul routes to and through Dubai.
Strategic aircraft deployments
Emirates is making significant strides with its retrofit programme, offering customers an enhanced travel experience. By the end of this year, the airline will have retrofitted 51 aircraft, serving 38 destinations across its global network. Emirates’ investment in this project will see 219 aircraft – comprising 110 Airbus A380s and 109 Boeing 777s – completely refurbished with the airline's latest interiors. As part of the expansion, the airline will begin offering its Premium Economy cabins to new destinations, starting with Nice on 15 October and Frankfurt by mid-December. The airline’s Boeing 777 service to Madrid will also feature these next-generation interiors, marking Spain’s first experience with Emirates' upgraded fleet.
Premium economy growth
Emirates’ retrofit programme includes a significant boost to its Premium Economy offering, which is quickly becoming a core element of the airline’s service differentiation. The airline is set to offer over 2 million Premium Economy seats annually by the end of 2025, with a projected increase to 4 million seats by 2026. This expansion is a direct response to growing customer demand for premium services, particularly for long-haul flights. Emirates aims to further solidify its position as a leader in Premium Economy deployment by providing more choice for customers seeking superior in-flight experiences.
Investment in innovation
Emirates’ US $5 billion investment in its retrofit programme is the largest in aviation history, with a focus on enhancing customer experience. Over 270 engineers and technicians are working tirelessly to complete these makeovers, with each aircraft requiring 18 to 22 days for refurbishment. This monumental effort will see the installation of 8,512 Premium Economy seats, 2,034 First-Class suites, 12,720 Business Class seats, and 68,364 upgraded Economy seats. The materials involved in this project include 218,000 metres of fabric for Economy seats, 130,000 square metres of leather for Premium Economy and Business Class seats, and over 132,000 square metres of new carpets for the cabins.
ATM 2025
Emirates’ ongoing fleet upgrade is being showcased at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. ATM 2025 is drawing over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries, underscoring the growing importance of travel and tourism. The event's theme, "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," highlights the role of connectivity in shaping a more sustainable travel industry. With over 2,800 exhibitors and 200 industry experts, ATM serves as an ideal platform for Emirates to demonstrate its innovations and commitment to improving customer experiences through its modernised fleet.