Emirates Deploys Retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy on Beirut and Beijing Routes - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Emirates has announced the introduction of its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on two additional routes, expanding the availability of its Premium Economy product and next-generation cabin design. From 6 January 2026, flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut will be operated with the upgraded aircraft, followed by flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing from 1 February 2026.

With this move, Beijing becomes the fourth destination in mainland China to receive Emirates’ latest aircraft and onboard products. Beirut, meanwhile, will welcome the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin and the redesigned Business Class with a 1-2-1 seating layout for the first time.

Enhanced connectivity to Beirut

On the Beirut route, flight EK953 departs Dubai at 15:40, arriving in Beirut at 17:00, while the return service EK954 leaves Beirut at 19:45 and lands in Dubai at 00:50. The schedule is designed to provide smooth onward connections to major cities with large Lebanese diaspora communities, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as North American hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Montreal.

Many of these connecting services are also operated by Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s or A380s, allowing customers to enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both sectors of their journey.

Beijing joins the next-generation network

Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777 will operate flight EK306, departing Dubai at 03:20 and arriving in Beijing at 14:45, with the return flight EK307 leaving Beijing at 00:40 and arriving back in Dubai at 05:30. From Beijing, travellers can seamlessly connect in Premium Economy to destinations across Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé and Lisbon, as well as key cities in the Gulf such as Kuwait, Riyadh and Amman.

A refreshed four-class experience

The refurbished Boeing 777 features a four-class configuration with completely updated interiors. Design elements include contemporary colour palettes, bespoke Ghaf Tree motifs and refined wood finishes throughout all cabins. Each aircraft is equipped with 260 Economy Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, and eight private First Class Suites.

Emirates’ Premium Economy has received strong customer feedback for offering a Business Class-style experience at a more accessible price point. The cabin features spacious leather seats with generous recline, leg and footrests, adjustable headrests, in-seat power, a wood-finished side table and a 13.3-inch personal screen. The experience is complemented by large pillows and blankets, complimentary amenity kits on selected flights, and exclusive sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

The redesigned Boeing 777 Business Class cabin further enhances comfort and privacy, with direct aisle access from every seat. Upholstered in champagne-coloured leather and featuring refined stitching and cushioned headrests, the cabin mirrors the look and feel of Emirates’ latest A380 interiors.

Tickets are available via emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates contact centres and travel agents. For customers in China, WeChat Pay is supported on emirates.com.

Image Credit: © Emirates Airlines