Switzerland Joins Ireland, Italy, Iraq, Czech Republic, Jordan, Uganda, Vietnam And More As Emirates Redefines Luxury Travel With Expanded Premium Economy Routes

Switzerland joins a prestigious lineup of destinations including Ireland, Italy, Iraq, Czech Republic, Jordan, Uganda, and Vietnam as Emirates takes a bold step in redefining luxury travel. The airline is expanding its Premium Economy offering to more global routes, bringing unmatched comfort and world-class service to travelers seeking an elevated experience without the premium price tag of Business Class. This move is part of Emirates’ comprehensive fleet upgrade, aimed at offering more choice, comfort, and convenience across its long-haul network. By introducing refurbished aircraft on these key routes, Emirates is reshaping the way passengers experience luxury travel, making it more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.
Emirates is accelerating its efforts to improve the passenger experience this year by rolling out refurbished aircraft across more routes. This move is part of a network-wide retrofit programme, designed to expand Premium Economy access and standardize cabin products. The airline is aiming to make Premium Economy available on 99 destinations by the end of 2026, offering travelers more options for enhanced comfort during long-haul flights.
Starting in April, Emirates will introduce the first retrofitted A380, which will feature a high-density layout. This aircraft will initially serve the Dubai-Amman route, before shifting to Prague in June. The airline plans to retrofit all 15 two-class A380 aircraft into three-class layouts by November, significantly boosting the availability of premium seating, while also maintaining a strong capacity for economy passengers.
The refurbishment programme is not limited to just one region. From March, Emirates will begin rolling out its newly upgraded aircraft across a range of international markets. For example, the airline will deploy a refurbished four-class A380 on its New York JFK flights starting in April. These services will transition to daily operations in June, giving passengers more flexibility and choices. Meanwhile, Zurich will see its flights upgraded to the new A380s starting in March. Milan will also benefit from a retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, beginning in May, while Dublin will see all 21 weekly flights equipped with Premium Economy by October, expanding the options for transatlantic passengers.
Asian routes are also part of the airline’s retrofit strategy. Starting in May, Ho Chi Minh City will see upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft, providing an improved experience for travelers heading to this bustling destination. Similarly, Hong Kong will transition to A380 operations in October, followed by the introduction of refurbished A380s in December, further standardizing the service on these popular routes. In March, Entebbe will join the programme with the introduction of A350 aircraft, bringing a more consistent onboard product to African destinations.
The fleet upgrade is designed with a clear focus on balancing demand across all cabin classes. The retrofitted A380s will feature 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 437 Economy seats. This configuration highlights the airline’s commitment to expanding its Premium Economy offering, catering to the growing demand for mid-tier comfort, while still providing ample economy seating for high-volume routes.
Regional and leisure markets are also benefiting from the retrofit programme. Basra flights will be upgraded to Boeing 777 aircraft starting in May, enhancing the overall passenger experience for travelers heading to this key destination. Mauritius will also see a fleet upgrade, with refurbished Boeing 777s serving the route starting in March. Additionally, Guangzhou will shift to a three-class A380 from October, further aligning the product offering across the airline’s network.
The retrofit programme is part of a broader fleet strategy aimed at delivering a consistent and high-quality onboard experience. Emirates is focused on increasing revenue efficiency by enhancing the passenger experience across all cabin classes. Premium Economy, in particular, has become a key offering in the airline industry, as more travelers seek extra comfort without the high price tag of Business Class. As a result, Emirates is continuing to expand its intermediate cabin offering, meeting the growing demand for this segment.
The airline’s commitment to delivering a high-standard of service is reflected in the redesigned cabins. The updated Premium Economy cabins offer more space, greater recline, and improved amenities, providing a more comfortable and relaxing environment for passengers. The expanded availability of these seats ensures that more travelers can enjoy a premium experience on long-haul flights without the cost of Business Class.
The retrofit programme will continue through 2026, with bookings for upgraded flights now available through the airline’s website, mobile app, retail outlets, and travel agencies. Passengers can now secure their seats on retrofitted aircraft, ensuring that they are part of the ongoing improvements being made to Emirates’ fleet. As the deployment progresses, travelers can expect an increasingly uniform product across the airline’s network, making it easier to choose Emirates for their next journey, regardless of destination.
Switzerland joins destinations like Ireland, Italy, Iraq, Czech Republic, Jordan, Uganda, and Vietnam as Emirates expands its Premium Economy routes, redefining luxury travel. This move brings enhanced comfort and service to more long-haul flights, making premium travel more accessible to a wider range of passengers.
In conclusion, Emirates is making significant strides in improving the passenger experience with its fleet retrofit programme. With expanded Premium Economy access, refurbished aircraft, and a focus on balancing capacity across cabin classes, the airline is ensuring that it meets the needs of today’s travelers. The continued rollout of upgraded aircraft will give passengers more options for a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience, while also supporting the airline’s broader strategy of revenue efficiency and product consistency across its global network.
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