Wedoany.com Report-Dec.17, Emirates has revealed plans to deploy retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Premium Economy cabins on selected routes starting early 2026.

From January 6, 2026, flights EK953 and EK954 connecting Dubai and Beirut will feature these upgraded aircraft. Beirut will thus become the first destination to offer passengers Emirates' acclaimed Premium Economy along with the refreshed Business Class arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration.

The outbound EK953 leaves Dubai at 1540 hours, reaching Beirut at 1700 hours. The return EK954 departs Beirut at 1945 hours, landing in Dubai at 0050 hours the following day. This timing facilitates convenient onward connections to cities with notable Lebanese communities, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and Montreal. Many of these routes already operate with aircraft offering matching Premium Economy standards, ensuring uniformity throughout journeys involving retrofitted Boeing 777s or A380s.

Beginning February 1, 2026, flights EK306 and EK307 between Dubai and Beijing will also utilize these enhanced Boeing 777s. Beijing joins three other mainland Chinese cities already served by Emirates' latest cabin products.

Flight EK306 departs Dubai at 0320 hours, arriving in Beijing at 1445 hours. The return EK307 leaves Beijing at 0040 hours, touching down in Dubai at 0530 hours. Passengers can experience consistent Premium Economy service when continuing to various global points, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé, Lisbon, Kuwait, Riyadh, and Amman.

The renovated four-class Boeing 777 incorporates contemporary design features, such as updated color schemes, distinctive Ghaf Tree patterns, and wood paneling throughout the cabins. Each aircraft accommodates 260 advanced Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, and eight First Class suites.

In a separate development, the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) celebrated its sixth graduation ceremony, welcoming 77 newly qualified cadets into the aviation profession.

This event marks another addition to the academy's record, with more than 300 cadets having completed the program to date, many now contributing to Emirates' operations or advancing in further training.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, who led the proceedings, said: “Emirates Flight Training Academy’s graduation ceremony symbolises the setting of a stronger foundation for global aviation and a promise that its future rests in the hands of committed, capable, resilient leaders. Our graduates will now proudly wear their wings, connect the world, uphold the highest standards of safety and service, and shape the world of aviation. Each one of our graduates today is a testament to potential and perseverance. Together, they represent our commitment to building a steady stream of aviators who will carry Dubai’s vision to the skies. Congratulations, graduates – you have made us proud.”

Of the graduates, 52 participate in the UAE National Pilot Cadet Programme, while 25 hail from 15 other countries. The national program, fully supported by the Emirates Group, represents a major effort to develop skilled Emirati pilots, providing sponsored training and a defined career progression to Emirates' fleet upon qualification.

These advancements highlight Emirates' ongoing investments in passenger comfort through cabin enhancements and in workforce development via comprehensive pilot training initiatives.

The introduction of Premium Economy on additional routes expands access to elevated travel options, supporting seamless experiences across the network.

Meanwhile, the academy's consistent output of trained professionals strengthens the airline's operational capabilities and contributes to the broader aviation sector.