Emirates Deploys Its First Refurbished A380 Aircraft

Saturday 7th of January 2023

The award-winning airline, Emirates is undertaking a large-scale USD 2 billion retrofit program and has unveiled its first A380 which was completely refurbished. The aircraft was deployed on the 6th of January and is currently being used for operations on the Dubai-London Heathrow service, flying as EK003.

President Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark remarked on the occasion “Customers will notice the difference the moment they step onboard – the spacious A380 will look and feel even more impressive and comfortable. With our latest interiors and products, this newly refurbished aircraft elevates our inflight experience in all classes of travel and enables us to offer more Premium Economy seats to meet customer demand”.

He further stated “I’m particularly proud that this refurbishment work was designed, conducted and completed in-house at our facilities in Dubai, to the highest standards of quality and safety. It reflects the world-class aviation capabilities and infrastructure that exists within Emirates, and here in the UAE.”

The fully retrofitted A380 is home to the latest products and newly modified interiors including the 56 Premium Economy class seats located on the main deck. Moreover, customers flying aboard the renovated aircraft will notice the new colour palettes captured on the carpeting and wall panels.

For those flying first and business class, the all-new cream-coloured leather upholstery will be a treat for the senses along with the lighter-toned wood finishings. Emirate’s signature ghaf tree will also be featured in many areas of the interiors such as the hand-stencilled panels in the First-class Shower Spa.

With engineers working around the clock, Emirates forecasts that all 67 A380s will be retrofitted by 2024 after which it will begin works on its 53 Boeing 777s. The entire project is set to be completed by 2025 and is deemed to be the largest aircraft refurbishment program in aviation history.