Premium Economy Class. Photo: EMIRATES Emirates, one of the world's leading airlines, announced today (February 12, 2026) the expansion of its upgraded aircraft deployment to several key destinations across its international route network, along with accelerating the upgrade program for its A380 and B777 fleets.
According to the company's announcement, the move is intended to increase the supply of Premium Economy seats and create a more uniform flight experience for passengers.
As part of the "retrofit" program, the company is expected to complete the upgrade of the first two-class A380 aircraft by mid-April, which will be converted to a three-class aircraft. The aircraft will include 76 seats in business class, 56 premium economy seats and 437 seats in economy class.
Photo: EmiratesThe first upgraded aircraft will operate on the Dubai-Amman route, followed by the Dubai-Prague route. Emirates expects to complete the upgrade of all 15 of its two-class A380s to a new three-class configuration by November. The airline has also announced a series of additional aircraft deployments starting in March.
On the route to New York (JFK), starting April 1, an upgraded A380 aircraft in a four-class configuration will operate on 4 weekly flights; from June 1, the service will become daily. On the route to Zurich, starting March 1, an A380 aircraft in a four-class configuration will be operated. In Milan, starting May 10, the company will operate an upgraded Boeing 777-200LR in a three-class configuration with Premium Economy.
In Dublin, an upgraded Boeing 777-200LR will operate in a three-class configuration from October 25, ensuring all 21 weekly flights on the route offer Premium Economy. Additional routes that will be equipped with the popular class later this year include Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Mauritius.
Photo: EMIRATES