Johannesburg and Cape Town have become the first African destinations to welcome Emirates’ fully retrofitted Boeing 777, marking a milestone in the airline’s $5 billion fleet modernisation programme. The aircraft introduces Premium Economy to South Africa for the first time, alongside redesigned Business Class and refreshed First Class suites.
Guided tours of the aircraft were hosted in both cities, attended by aviation and tourism leaders, including Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander and South African Civil Aviation Authority Director General Poppy Khoza. Emirates executives emphasised the upgrade as part of the airline’s 30-year commitment to South Africa and its passengers.
The four-class Boeing 777 now features 260 Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 38 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, and 8 First Class suites, with interiors inspired by calming colour palettes and Emirates’ signature Ghaf Tree motif.
The retrofit is part of Emirates’ industry-leading effort to update 219 A380s and 777s, with 67 aircraft already completed. The programme aims to deliver greater comfort, style, and efficiency for passengers across the airline’s global network.