Emirates has completed the refurbishment of 100 aircraft under what it describes as the world's largest known airline retrofit programme, marking a significant milestone in its US$5 billion fleet modernisation project.
Since the programme began in November 2022, the airline has carried out comprehensive nose-to-tail refurbishments on 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s at its Emirates Engineering facilities in Dubai. By the end of December 2026, a further 20 aircraft are expected to be upgraded, taking the programme well beyond the halfway mark of the planned 219 aircraft.
Over 44 months, more than 400 engineers and technicians have dedicated 4.4 million man hours to refurbishing the aircraft, delivering upgraded cabin interiors across every class.
A key feature of the retrofit programme has been the installation of Premium Economy cabins on every refurbished aircraft. More than 3,800 Premium Economy seats have been fitted, enabling Emirates to expand the product across more destinations in its global network.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: "Our commitment to deliver best-in-class products across every cabin is an ongoing endeavour, and completing full cabin retrofits for 100 wide-body aircraft in 44 months is a significant achievement. Backed by a US$5 billion investment, it ensures our customers 'fly better,' with elevated luxury, comfort, and thoughtful detail throughout each cabin. Executing a project of this magnitude and complexity entirely inhouse has also required unmatched planning, precision, craftsmanship and technical capabilities here in Dubai. Our team has completely rewritten the rulebook on retrofitting the two largest passenger aircraft in commercial aviation to make sure that every aircraft returns to the skies on schedule and in impeccable shape."
Engineering a large-scale transformation
Since the initiative began in November 2022, Emirates Engineering has refurbished an average of 28 aircraft annually. Each retrofit involves stripping the aircraft's interior before carrying out a comprehensive cabin overhaul using more than 4,000 components for an Airbus A380 and over 2,500 components for a Boeing 777, before reassembling the aircraft to operational standards.
To support the programme, Emirates Engineering developed a range of bespoke solutions, including adapting catering trucks to transport large aircraft components within its hangars. The team also introduced specialised work-tracking systems, improved parts storage and retrieval processes, and designed custom equipment to improve access to aircraft interiors during refurbishment.
More than 100 suppliers have contributed to the execution of the programme.
Programme expanded in response to customer demand
Emirates first announced the retrofit programme in November 2021, initially covering 105 aircraft. The first Airbus A380 entered refurbishment in November 2022 at the airline's engineering facility in Dubai.
Strong customer demand prompted Emirates to expand the programme to 191 aircraft in May 2024 before increasing the total to 219 aircraft later that year. The first retrofitted Boeing 777 entered commercial service in August 2024.
In May 2026, Emirates completed the conversion of an Airbus A380 from a two-class to a three-class configuration, introducing a Premium Economy cabin on the aircraft's upper deck for the first time through significant structural modifications.
From October 2026, the next phase of the programme will include the installation of 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback entertainment screens and new lightweight Safran Z400 seats, alongside further cabin enhancements.
Supporting sustainability through upcycling
As part of its sustainability strategy, Emirates is repurposing thousands of kilograms of high-quality leather, fabrics and other materials removed during the refurbishment process into limited-edition luggage and accessories under its Aircrafted by Emirates collection.
The airline has also donated more than 4,000 backpacks made from recycled Economy Class seat fabric to children across 11 countries.
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