Emirates expands its retrofit programme with 111 aircraft receiving new cabin features, Astrova IFE, and Starlink Wi-Fi by 2026.
DUBAI: Emirates has announced the next phase of its extensive fleet retrofit programme, which will see 111 additional aircraft—60 Airbus A380s and 51 Boeing 777s—transformed with new cabin innovations, immersive in-flight entertainment, and faster Starlink-powered connectivity starting August 2026.
The latest upgrades form part of the airline’s broader fleet modernisation strategy, which aims to set a new global benchmark in passenger experience. Emirates Engineering, in collaboration with key industry players including Airbus, Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, UUDS, and SpaceX’s Starlink, will roll out redesigned seating and a new onboard lounge concept to deliver greater comfort and consistency.
Central to the retrofit is the introduction of Panasonic’s Astrova in-flight entertainment system, which promises a fully immersive digital experience with advanced display features and personalised content options. Additionally, upgraded Wi-Fi powered by Starlink will offer passengers seamless and high-speed internet access, further enhancing the travel experience.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, remarked, “Our retrofit programme is about elevating standards across the board. With trusted partners, we’re investing in scale and next-generation innovations to deliver exceptional comfort and entertainment.”
The project underscores Emirates’ long-term commitment to continuous product investment. Initially launched in 2021 with 120 aircraft, the programme was expanded to 219 aircraft by the end of 2024. To date, 76 aircraft have already been refurbished, with work being carried out at a rate of two aircraft per month.
Each Airbus A380 requires approximately 22 days to complete its upgrade, while Boeing 777s take 18 days. The retrofitting ensures Emirates’ legacy aircraft match the standards of its newly delivered fleet, delivering consistent service quality to passengers globally.
With the latest phase, Emirates aims to not only future-proof its fleet but also reinforce its leadership in aviation product innovation and customer satisfaction.
