Emirates A380 Retrofit Adds Premium Economy Cabin
Emirates has successfully completed its inaugural refurbishment of an Airbus A380, introducing a Premium Economy section on the upper deck. The aircraft, identified by registration A6-EUX, is now servicing routes between Dubai and Birmingham. This transformation has increased its configuration to three classes: 76 Business Class, 56 Premium Economy, and 437 Economy seats, achieved by removing 120 Economy seats. The overhaul required roughly 35,000 man-hours from a team of 50 engineers in Dubai. This two-month project marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at upgrading 95 aircraft, including 42 A380s, with plans to complete all enhancements by the end of 2026.
Key facts
- Emirates completed first refurbishment of two-class Airbus A380
- Premium Economy cabin introduced on upper deck for first time
- Aircraft registered A6-EUX operates Dubai-Birmingham route
- New configuration: 76 Business, 56 Premium Economy, 437 Economy seats
- 120 Economy seats removed; galleys, storage, partitions, bins repositioned
- Project required 35,000 man-hours from 50 engineers and technicians
- First retrofit took two months; future retrofits expected in 30 days
- 95 aircraft upgraded so far (42 A380s, 53 Boeing 777s); all 15 two-class A380s to be reconfigured by end of 2026
Entities
Institutions
- Emirates
- Emirates Engineering
Locations
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates
- Birmingham
- United Kingdom