Emirates adds Premium Economy Boeing 777 flights to Beirut from January 2026 and Beijing from February 2026, featuring new cabins and seamless global connections
Emirates has announced the deployment of its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft featuring Premium Economy on two key long-haul routes, further expanding access to its latest onboard products. From January and February 2026, travellers flying between Dubai and Beirut as well as Dubai and Beijing will experience the airline’s award-winning Premium Economy cabin and newly designed Business Class with a 1-2-1 layout.
The move marks another milestone in Emirates’ global retrofit programme, bringing a more consistent, elevated travel experience to customers across the Middle East, China, and beyond. Some links in this article are affiliate booking links, which may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Premium Economy Comes to Beirut and Beijing
Beirut: First Taste of Emirates’ New Cabins
From 6 January 2026, Emirates will operate retrofitted Boeing 777s on flights EK953/954 between Dubai and Beirut. This is the first time travellers to and from Lebanon’s capital will enjoy Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin, alongside the airline’s new-generation Business Class.
The enhanced schedule also strengthens connectivity for the Lebanese diaspora, offering seamless onward links to major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and North American hubs such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Miami, and Montreal.
With many of these routes already served by retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s, passengers can now enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience across both legs of their journey.
Beijing: Fourth Mainland China City with Emirates’ Latest Aircraft
Starting 1 February 2026, Emirates will deploy its upgraded Boeing 777 on flights EK306/307 between Dubai and Beijing. This makes Beijing the fourth city in mainland China to receive Emirates’ newest aircraft interiors and next-generation products.
From Beijing, travellers can connect seamlessly to Emirates’ global network, including London Heathrow, New York JFK, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Madrid, Malé, and Lisbon, as well as key Gulf destinations such as Kuwait, Riyadh, and Amman — all while enjoying a unified Premium Economy experience.
Flight Schedules at a Glance
Dubai – Beirut
- EK953: Departs Dubai 15:40 → Arrives Beirut 17:00
- EK954: Departs Beirut 19:45 → Arrives Dubai 00:50 (next day)
Dubai – Beijing
- EK306: Departs Dubai 03:20 → Arrives Beijing 14:45
- EK307: Departs Beijing 00:40 → Arrives Dubai 05:30
(All times local)
Inside Emirates’ Refurbished Boeing 777
The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 has been fully redesigned with a contemporary look and feel across all cabins. The refreshed interiors feature modern colour palettes, elegant wood finishes, and distinctive Ghaf Tree motifs, reflecting the airline’s Emirati heritage.
Cabin Configuration
- 8 First Class Suites
- 40 Business Class seats (1-2-1 layout)
- 24 Premium Economy seats
- 260 latest-generation Economy seats
Why Emirates Premium Economy Stands Out
Emirates’ Premium Economy has received glowing feedback from travellers worldwide for offering a Business Class-like experience at a more accessible price point.
Key Premium Economy Features
- Spacious leather seats with generous recline
- Full leg and footrests for added comfort
- Adjustable headrests and ample personal space
- In-seat charging points
- Wood-finished side cocktail table
- Large 13.3-inch HD screen
- Plush pillows and blankets
- Complimentary amenity kits on select flights
- Exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 sparkling wine
This combination makes Premium Economy especially appealing on medium- and long-haul routes where comfort matters most.
Redesigned Business Class: Privacy and Space
The upgraded Boeing 777 Business Class cabin introduces a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passenger. Each seat is wrapped in signature champagne-coloured leather, matching the latest Emirates A380 interiors, with refined stitching and cushioned headrests.
Designed for productivity and rest, the new layout offers enhanced privacy, generous workspace, and a more relaxed lounging experience.
A Strategic Upgrade for Global Travellers
By introducing retrofitted Boeing 777s with Premium Economy on the Beirut and Beijing routes, Emirates continues to raise the bar for long-haul travel while delivering greater consistency across its global network. For travellers in the Middle East, China, Australia, and the Americas, these upgrades translate into better comfort, smoother connections, and more choice.
At a Glance: Emirates Premium Economy Expansion
- Routes: Dubai–Beirut, Dubai–Beijing
- Start Dates:
- Beirut: 6 January 2026
- Beijing: 1 February 2026
- Aircraft: Retrofitted Boeing 777 (four-class)
- Highlights: Premium Economy, 1-2-1 Business Class, refreshed interiors
- Key Benefits: Greater comfort, consistent onboard experience, seamless global connections
- More Info: Emirates.com
Also read Emirates lands in Hangzhou, expanding its Chinese mainland network to 5 gateways
