Emirates converts first two-class A380 to three-class layout with Premium Economy on upper deck

Dubai-based carrier Emirates has completed the first refurbishment of a two-class Airbus A380 to a three-class configuration, introducing its Premium Economy cabin to the upper deck of the type for the first time as part of a 15-aircraft modernisation programme.

According to Aviation Business News, the refurbished aircraft registered A6-EUX is the first of 15 A380s to undergo the conversion, which is being managed entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering in Dubai.

The retrofit programme has to date completed work on 95 Emirates aircraft in total, comprising 42 Airbus A380s converted to four-class configuration and 53 Boeing 777s, representing more than one third of the carrier's current fleet.

The new Premium Economy cabin on the upper deck is set in a 2-3-2 configuration and features full leg and footrests, six-way adjustable headrests, built-in charging ports, side cocktail tables and inflight entertainment on a 13.3-inch screen.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said the reconfiguration illustrated the extensive capabilities of the airline's engineering team. "The reconfiguration of our two-class A380 into three-class layout that brings our popular Premium Economy seating onto the upper deck illustrates the extensive capabilities of our team," he said.

Emirates' Premium Economy product, which launched in 2022, has been progressively rolled out across the carrier's widebody fleet and has been recognised with industry awards for cabin design and passenger experience. The introduction of the class to the A380 upper deck represents a significant expansion of the product's footprint across one of the world's most recognised commercial aircraft types.

The A380 modernisation programme forms part of Emirates' broader fleet investment strategy, which also encompasses the ongoing Starlink Wi-Fi rollout across its A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.

Explore the full retrofit details and cabin specification in the full coverage.