In a retrofit update, Emirates has confirmed that the first three-class layout upgrade on a high-density two-class Airbus A380 is nearing completion.
On January 12, 2026, Emirates provided an overall update on its extensive fleet retrofit, stating that the first two-class A380 to be remodeled – with 76 business class seats, 56 premium economy seats, and 437 economy seats – would be ready in mid-April.
The first upgraded aircraft will operate flights (EK903/904) between Dubai and Amman from April 14 to May 31, 2026, before switching to Prague (EK139/140) from June 1, 2026.
By November 2026, Emirates expects to have retrofitted all 15 of its two-class A380s into the new three class configuration.
According to the Emirates website, there are currently four A380 seating configurations. These include four-class (ultra long-range, 484 seats); three-class (long-range, 517 seats); three-class (ultra long-range, 489 seats); and two-class (long-range, 615 seats).
As part of its latest update, Emirates also confirmed that its premium economy network is set to expand to 99 points by the end of 2026.
Other series of aircraft deployments and product upgrades to be announced by Emirates include:
Europe and North America
- New York JFK: From April 1, 2026, flights EK201/202 will be served by a four-class retrofitted A380 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, increasing to a daily service from June 1, 2026.
- Zurich: From March 1, 2026, Emirates will operate a four-class A380 featuring premium economy on Flights EK085/086.
- Milan: Emirates will operate Flights EK101/102 with a retrofitted, three-class Boeing 777-200LR fitted with premium economy from May 10, 2026.
- Dublin: Emirates will operate Flights EK165/166 with a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR from October 25, 2026. Once deployed, all 21 weekly flights to Dublin will offer premium economy.
Asia
- Ho Chi Minh City: From May 1, 2026, Flights EK392/393 will be operated with a three-class retrofitted Boeing 777-200LR.
- Hong Kong: Emirates will upgrade Flights EK382/383 from a Boeing 777-300ER to an A380 from October 1, 2026, transitioning to a retrofitted A380 fitted with premium economy from December 1, 2026.
Africa / Middle East / Indian Ocean
- Entebbe: Emirates will operate Flights EK729/730 with the new A350 from March 29, 2026.
- Basra: Emirates flights EK945/946 will be operated with a retrofitted four-class Boeing 777-300ER starting from May 1, 2026, offering premium economy across all five weekly flights to Basra.
- Mauritius: Emirates will operate a retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-200LR on Flights EK709/710 from March 29, 2026.
