Dubai: Emirates' retrofit programme is advancing to its next phase, targeting the refurbishment of 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s to include the airline's latest cabin innovations. Starting from August 2026, the airline is set to debut a range of new onboard products, featuring a next-generation, fully immersive in-flight entertainment system and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity with Starlink on these aircraft as part of its comprehensive fleet modernization efforts.
According to Emirates News Agency, Emirates Engineering is collaborating with partners including Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, Starlink, and UUDS to introduce the latest seating designs and a new onboard lounge on 60 A380s. This initiative will be complemented by Panasonic's advanced Astrova inflight entertainment system, aiming to provide a consistent passenger experience on the next 111 aircraft scheduled for retrofit.
The airline has played a crucial role in driving product innovation alongside its partners, focusing on elevating passenger comfort, privacy, and the overall travel experience. President of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark, emphasized the airline's dedication to enhancing its fleet standards, stating that their goal is to deliver product consistency at scale while integrating next-generation innovations in seating, entertainment, and connectivity.
Emirates has selected Panasonic Avionics for upgrading its in-flight entertainment products on the A380 and Boeing 777s with the Astrova inflight entertainment platform, reinforcing the airline's commitment to offering next-generation experiences. The retrofit programme builds on Emirates' history of sustained investment in its products and services, initially announced in 2021 with 120 aircraft slated for refurbishment. The airline expanded its plans to 191 aircraft in May 2024 and later to 219 aircraft, underscoring its dedication to providing outstanding experiences across its fleet.
To date, 76 aircraft have been refurbished, with each A380 taking approximately 22 days and each Boeing 777 requiring 18 days for retrofit. The programme maintains a steady pace, with two refurbished aircraft being completed each month.