Emirates Expands Retrofitted Boeing 777 Services to Maldives, South Africa
Upgraded cabins debut: Maldives June 1, South Africa September 1. 2025
Emirates (EK) has announced it will introduce Boeing 777 aircraft with upgraded cabins to eight global destinations, including the Maldives and South Africa.
According to Emirates, this expansion is part of its ongoing retrofit program, which sees an aircraft refurbished every three weeks.
Upgraded 777s to Key African, Indian Ocean Routes
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Emirates reports that customers traveling to the Maldives will experience enhanced interiors on EK 658/659 from June 1, 2025, and on EK 656/657 and EK 660/661 from July 15, 2025.
Johannesburg, Cape Town
Emirates reaffirms South Africa’s strategic importance, stating that Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class cabins will be introduced to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Johannesburg will receive the upgraded Boeing 777 on daily EK 765/766 from September 1, 2025, and EK 761/762 from September 25, 2025.
Cape Town will be served with the new interiors on daily EK 770/771 from September 20, 2025. Other destinations included in the expansion are Lisbon, Dublin, Hong Kong, Kolkata, and Colombo.
Refurbished 777s Feature Premium Economy, Enhanced Business Class
Emirates details that the refurbished Boeing 777 features a four-class configuration, including Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class cabins.
The Business Class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, offering privacy and aisle access. The aircraft also includes 24 Premium Economy seats and 260 Economy Class seats.
Emirates stated it aims to serve 44 cities with its refurbished Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet by September 2025.