On July 1, 2024, Emirates announced the list of three initial routes on which it will deploy Boeing 777s that it is currently refurbishing with new business class seats. Listed second among the routes is Dubai – Tokyo Haneda (flights EK212 and EK213) on which the airline plans to deploy aircraft with the new seats from September 1, 2024.
While Emirates is already in the process of refurbishing the first aircraft, it has not revealed what the seat will look like yet. That said, it has provided some information about what the refurbished and business class seat will be like.
According to the airline, “Plans include the refurbishment of the First Class cabin, the installation of 38 new Business Class seats in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration, in addition to 24 of the latest Premium Economy seats, along with 256 Economy Class seats.” As such, the airline will not only be installing the new seats but also potentially adding its latest “Game Changer” seats on more aircraft.
Unlike the current business class which is in a 2-3-2 configuration not only without direct aisle access from each seat but also with middle seats, the business class will be in a 1-2-1 layout with each seat offering direct aisle access. The staggered seats, according to the airline, will be 20.7 inches wide and have a seat pitch of up to 44 inches. They will be equipped with 23-inch personal entertainment screens.
Emirates will continue to use its four-class Airbus A380s on its daily flights between Dubai and Tokyo Narita.
The new business class seat is set to debut on Emirates’ route between Dubai and Geneva on August 11, 2024. The third destination to be served by the refurbished aircraft will be Brussels, on which the aircraft is expected to start appearing from September 11, 2024.
