Emirates has unveiled its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on its popular Dublin–Dubai route.
The move offers Irish passengers an upgraded experience as they connect via Dubai to over 140 destinations worldwide.
Emirates is now the only carrier to operate a four-class offering from Dublin featuring Emirates’ new Premium Economy cabin, a refreshed Business Class, and enhanced interiors across all cabins.
The launch forms part of Emirates’ $5bn cabin retrofit programme, the largest known upgrade project in aviation history, which aims to refurbish 219 aircraft by 2026. By the end of 2025, the airline will serve over 70 cities with aircraft featuring the latest interiors across Boeing 777s, A380s and A350s, enhancing comfort and choice for customers flying via Dubai to destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and beyond.
Irish passengers flying on Emirates flights EK161 and EK162 can now experience the airline’s latest cabin designs, with 24 Premium Economy seats offering greater recline, more legroom, and elevated in-flight dining, all positioned at the front of the main deck.
Business Class now features direct aisle access for every passenger in a 1-2-1 configuration, while Emirates’ signature First Class suites and refreshed Economy cabins complete the elevated four-class experience. Both daily flights from Dublin will feature the full four-class configuration, including Premium Economy, by the end of 2025.
Anita Thomas, Emirates Country Manager for Ireland, said: “There’s strong and growing demand from Irish passengers looking for elevated travel experiences, and our new Premium Economy cabin has been extremely well received. It bridges the gap between Economy and Business Class with a level of comfort and value that appeals to both our leisure and corporate passengers.
“The introduction of our retrofitted aircraft on the Dublin route, alongside our global network via Dubai, marks a significant enhancement in comfort and choice for travellers.”
Since launching its refurbishment programme in November 2022, Emirates has upgraded the interiors of 60 Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, now serving 38 destinations. The airline plans to refurbish the entire cabins of 219 aircraft – 110 A380s and 109 Boeing 777s.
Welcoming the development, daa CEO Kenny Jacobs said: “The introduction by Emirates of one of its retrofitted Boeing 777s on the Dublin -Dubai route is great news for passengers. Emirates has been a valued partner of the airport since 2012, and this upgrade underscores its ongoing commitment to delivering a world-class experience for passengers.
“The addition of Premium Economy and updated Business Class further strengthens long-haul connectivity from Dublin, offering travellers even more comfort on their journeys via Dubai to the world.”
As the programme speeds up, Emirates is set to become a leader in Premium Economy capacity, with over 2 million seats available annually by the end of 2025 across 70+ cities, doubling to 4 million seats by 2026.
By year-end, nearly 40% of its fleet will feature the latest interiors, including Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class cabins.
Emirates has operated daily passenger services between Dublin and Dubai since 2012, and since 2014 has operated a double daily schedule, connecting Ireland to more than 140 destinations worldwide with passengers enjoying a seamless, world-class travel experience.
The newly retrofitted Boeing 777s join Emirates’ flagship A380s, which already offer Premium Economy from select global hubs. This latest development signals the airline’s confidence in the Irish market and reinforces its position as a leader in long-haul air travel innovation.
