Emirates has raised the bar for air travel in South Africa with the official showcase of its newly retrofitted Boeing 777, now flying to both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The airline hosted an exclusive guided tour of the aircraft, revealing next-generation interiors and the highly anticipated Premium Economy cabin, which makes its South African debut on this route.
The milestone marks a new chapter in Emirates’ three-decade relationship with South Africa, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class travel experiences while supporting the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. Industry leaders including Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, and Poppy Khoza, Director General of the South African Civil Aviation Authority, joined Emirates executives for the unveiling.
Premium Economy Takes Centre Stage
The highlight of the retrofit is Emirates Premium Economy, designed to offer travellers a touch of luxury without the Business Class price tag. The spacious leather seats come with full leg rests, adjustable headrests, and ample reclining space, creating an experience comparable to Business Class on many airlines. Passengers can also enjoy in-seat charging, a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, plush pillows, and a globally exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, making the cabin a standout for comfort and style.
A Complete Cabin Transformation
The four-class Boeing 777 has been meticulously upgraded with modern colour palettes, elegant wood finishes, and Emirates’ signature Ghaf Tree motifs across all cabins. Economy Class now features calming ocean-blue interiors, redesigned high-generation seats, and more legroom, while Business Class boasts a 1-2-1 layout with champagne leather seating for extra privacy and convenience. The First Class Suites, often described as “hotel rooms in the sky,” retain their unmatched luxury, now refreshed with subtle but sophisticated updates.
A Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment
The rollout is part of Emirates’ ambitious $5 billion retrofit programme, one of the largest in the airline industry. Launched in late 2022, the project will upgrade 219 aircraft, including both A380s and Boeing 777s, with thousands of new seats across all cabin classes. To date, 67 aircraft have already been completed, with Emirates Engineering teams dedicating over 1,800 manhours per aircraft to ensure precision and excellence.
With Johannesburg and Cape Town among the first destinations in Africa to welcome this next-generation experience, Emirates is not just celebrating 30 years in South Africa; it’s redefining how travellers connect between Africa, Europe, and the Far East.
Scene Feed Thought: Emirates’ bold retrofit signals more than just an upgrade; it’s a strategic investment in passenger comfort, positioning South Africa as a gateway to world-class travel.