Emirates has completed the refurbishment of its 100th aircraft under what it describes as the world’s largest aircraft retrofit programme, marking a major milestone in its US$5 billion investment to modernise cabin interiors across its wide-body fleet.

Since the programme began in November 2022, the Dubai-based airline has fully refurbished 47 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s at its Emirates Engineering facilities, introducing upgraded cabins and expanding the availability of its Premium Economy product.

US$5 Billion Investment in Customer Experience

By the end of December 2026, Emirates expects to retrofit around 20 additional aircraft, taking the programme well beyond its halfway point. The initiative now covers 219 aircraft, making it the largest known retrofit programme undertaken by any airline.

Over the past 44 months, more than 400 engineers and technicians have devoted a combined 4.4 million man-hours to the project, completely dismantling and rebuilding aircraft interiors while keeping each aircraft on schedule for its return to service.

“Our commitment to deliver best-in-class products across every cabin is an ongoing endeavour, and completing full cabin retrofits for 100 wide-body aircraft in 44 months is a significant achievement,” said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline.

Premium Economy Expansion Continues

Every retrofitted aircraft has been fitted with Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin. More than 3,800 Premium Economy seats have now been installed, allowing the airline to introduce the cabin on an increasing number of routes across its global network.

The refurbishment programme also includes redesigned Business and Economy Class cabins, refreshed First Class interiors where applicable, upgraded lighting, new carpets, wall panels and modernised onboard finishes throughout each aircraft.

Engineering a Complex Retrofit

Each Airbus A380 retrofit requires engineers to install more than 4,000 individual components, while each Boeing 777 upgrade involves over 2,500 parts. Emirates Engineering has worked with more than 100 suppliers throughout the programme.

To improve efficiency, the airline developed specialised equipment and modified catering vehicles to transport large aircraft components inside its maintenance hangars. Custom-built tracking systems and storage solutions were also introduced to streamline the extensive refurbishment process.

Programme Continues to Expand

Originally announced in November 2021 for 105 aircraft, the retrofit programme was expanded to 191 aircraft in May 2024 before growing to 219 aircraft later that year. The first retrofitted Boeing 777 entered commercial service in August 2024.

In May 2026, Emirates completed its first Airbus A380 conversion from a two-class to a three-class configuration, introducing Premium Economy seating on the aircraft’s upper deck for the first time.

Beginning in October 2026, the next phase of the programme will introduce 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback entertainment screens, lightweight Safran Z400 seats and additional product enhancements across the fleet.

Aircraft Materials Given a Second Life

As part of its sustainability initiatives, Emirates has also upcycled thousands of kilograms of leather, fabrics and other materials removed during the refurbishment process into limited-edition products under its “Aircrafted by Emirates” collection.

The airline has also donated more than 4,000 backpacks made from repurposed Economy Class seat fabric to children in 11 countries, extending the useful life of materials that would otherwise have been discarded.