Image: Dubai Media Office
Emirates will deploy retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy cabins on select routes to Beirut and Beijing from early 2026, expanding the rollout of its latest onboard products across the Middle East and Asia.
From 6 January 2026, Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777s will operate flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut, marking the first time travellers on the route will experience the airline’s Premium Economy cabin alongside its new Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. From 1 February 2026, the refurbished aircraft will also serve flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing, making the Chinese capital the fourth city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ next-generation aircraft and cabin products.
On the Beirut route, flight EK953 will depart Dubai at 15:40, arriving in Beirut at 17:00, while the return service EK954 will depart Beirut at 19:45 and land in Dubai at 00:50. The schedule offers convenient connectivity to major cities with significant Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and Montreal. Many of these destinations are already served by Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380 aircraft, allowing customers to enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both legs of their journey.
For Beijing, Emirates’ EK306 will depart Dubai at 03:20 and arrive in the Chinese capital at 14:45, with the return flight EK307 departing Beijing at 00:40 and landing in Dubai at 05:30. From Beijing, travellers will be able to connect seamlessly to a wide range of destinations across Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé, and Lisbon, as well as key regional markets such as Kuwait, Riyadh, and Amman.
The refurbished four-class Boeing 777 features a redesigned interior across all cabins, incorporating modern colour palettes, Ghaf Tree motifs, and wood-finished accents. Each aircraft is configured with 260 Economy Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, and eight First Class suites.
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin has received strong customer feedback, offering a Business Class-inspired experience at a more accessible price point. Features include spacious leather seats with enhanced recline, leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging, a wood-finished side table, and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen. The experience is complemented by premium bedding, complimentary amenity kits on select flights, and exclusive sparkling wine.
The upgraded Boeing 777 Business Class cabin has also been reconfigured to provide greater privacy and direct aisle access for all passengers. Seats are finished in champagne-coloured leather with refined stitching and cushioned headrests, aligning the design with Emirates’ latest A380 interiors.
The expanded deployment underscores Emirates’ continued investment in fleet modernisation and premium cabin enhancements as it strengthens connectivity across key global markets.
