Understanding the Retrofitted Boeing 777 Program

A retrofitted Boeing 777 is an aircraft that has undergone a complete interior transformation rather than a simple refresh. Emirates has invested heavily in upgrading its existing fleet to deliver a modern, next-generation travel experience without waiting for new aircraft deliveries.

Through this program, cabins are redesigned with modern colour palettes, wood-finish accents, and Ghaf Tree-inspired motifs, a nod to the UAE’s national tree. The goal is simple: offer a consistent, premium experience across long-haul routes.

🔗 Learn more about the fleet: Emirates Aircraft Fleet

Emirates Expands Retrofitted Boeing 777 Services to Beirut and Beijing With Premium Economy

As part of this expansion, Emirates to deploy new retrofitted 777 to these Asian cities:

• Beirut, Lebanon – from 6 January 2026

• Beijing, China – from 1 February 2026

With the addition of Beijing, the Chinese capital becomes the fourth city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ latest cabin interiors, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to the Asian market.

🌏 Explore regional connectivity: Emirates Destinations in Asia

Why This Upgrade Matters for Travelers

Many travelers face a familiar dilemma: Economy Class feels restrictive, while Business Class can be expensive. This gap is where Premium Economy fits perfectly.

A frequent flyer once described the difference simply: “I arrived rested instead of exhausted. That alone changed my entire trip.” This sentiment explains why Premium Economy travel has become one of the fastest-growing segments in long-haul aviation.

By offering Business Class-style comfort at a more accessible price, Emirates gives passengers a smarter choice—especially on flights exceeding seven hours.

Dubai–Beirut Route: A First for Premium Economy

For travelers to Lebanon, this upgrade is especially significant. The Dubai–Beirut route will, for the first time, feature Premium Economy seating and a fully redesigned Business Class cabin.

Flight Schedule

• EK953: Dubai (15:40) → Beirut (17:00)

• EK954: Beirut (19:45) → Dubai (00:50)

🔗 Route details: Emirates Dubai to Beirut Flights

These timings allow smooth onward connections to cities with large Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, and Montreal. Importantly, many of these routes are already served by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s, ensuring a consistent onboard experience.

Dubai–Beijing Route: Strengthening Long-Haul Travel to China

From 1 February 2026, Emirates will deploy the refurbished Boeing 777 on its Dubai–Beijing service, enhancing comfort on one of its most important Asian routes.

Flight Schedule

• EK306: Dubai (03:20) → Beijing (14:45)

• EK307: Beijing (00:40) → Dubai (05:30)

🔗 Official route information: Emirates Dubai to Beijing Flights

From Beijing, travelers can connect seamlessly to major destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East, making this upgrade particularly valuable for long-distance passengers.

Emirates to Deploy New Retrofitted 777 to These Asian Cities seat: Inside the Cabin Design and Seating Layout

Emirates to Deploy New Retrofitted 777 to These Asian Cities preimum: Premium Economy Comfort Explained

The highlight of the retrofit is undoubtedly Emirates Premium Economy. This cabin is designed for travelers who value comfort, space, and thoughtful details.

Key features include:

• Wide leather seats with generous recline

• Leg and footrests for added relaxation

• 13.3-inch HD entertainment screens

• In-seat charging ports

• Wood-finished side tables

Passengers also enjoy plush pillows, soft blankets, and Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, an exclusive sparkling wine.

🔗 Cabin details: Emirates Premium Economy

Business Class: Privacy and Direct Aisle Access

The redesigned Business Class cabin now features a 1-2-1 seating configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct aisle access. Seats are upholstered in champagne-coloured leather, offering ample space for work, dining, and rest.

🔗 Learn more: Emirates Business Class

First Class: A Signature Experience

Even with the focus on Premium Economy, Emirates First Class Suites remain a hallmark of luxury, offering enclosed private spaces, refined dining, and personalized service.

🔗 Explore First Class: Emirates First Class

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking the Retrofitted Boeing 777

To ensure you book the upgraded aircraft, follow these steps:

1. Choose the correct route – Dubai–Beirut or Dubai–Beijing on or after the announced dates.

2. Check the aircraft type during booking and confirm it shows Boeing 777 (retrofitted).

3. Select Premium Economy early, as seats are limited.

4. Book through official channels, such as the Emirates website or the Emirates App.

For customers in China, WeChat Pay is supported, adding extra convenience.

Why Travelers Can Book with Confidence

Emirates has built its reputation on service consistency, fleet investment, and passenger-focused innovation. Rather than reducing services, the airline continues to enhance them—making this retrofit program a strong signal of long-term commitment.

When Emirates to deploy new retrofitted 777 to these Asian cities, it reflects a strategic effort to deliver comfort, reliability, and value across its network.

Emirates to Deploy New Retrofitted 777 to These Asian Cities: Final Thoughts for Travelers

For travelers planning long-haul journeys to Asia or beyond, the introduction of the retrofitted Boeing 777 with Premium Economy is a welcome development. It bridges the gap between affordability and comfort while maintaining the premium standards Emirates is known for.

Choosing Emirates on these routes means choosing confidence, comfort, and consistency—qualities that can transform a long flight into a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Exploreroamer beleive that because with the right cabin, the journey becomes part of the destination.

Flying long distances can be physically and mentally draining. Anyone who has spent eight or ten hours in a cramped seat knows how a journey can feel longer than the destination itself. Recognizing this reality, Emirates Airline has taken a decisive step to improve passenger comfort by announcing that it will deploy new retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on key Asian routes.

From early 2026, travelers flying between Dubai and Beirut, as well as Dubai and Beijing, will experience Emirates’ latest onboard products, including its highly praised Premium Economy cabin and a redesigned Business Class with a 1-2-1 seating layout. This rollout strengthens Emirates’ long-haul offering while giving passengers more confidence and comfort when choosing their flights.