Dubai: Emirates is preparing for a major cabin upgrade with the arrival of its Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with leaked promotional renderings offering a glimpse of its new business class seats and mid-cabin social space. The airline is expected to begin receiving its first 777-9 in 2027.
New business class aims for greater privacy
The 777-9 business class seats appear to be based on Safran’s Unity platform, featuring a staggered layout, direct aisle access and significantly higher privacy partitions than Emirates’ existing S Lounge seats. The renderings also show storage shelves, a drinks area, wireless charging and touchscreen seat controls.
Emirates currently uses several business class products across its fleet, including the Safran S Lounge and Collins Aerospace Minipods. The 777-9 is expected to introduce the Safran Unity product, although the seat remains officially unconfirmed.
A smaller social lounge takes shape
The aircraft will also feature a new social area behind the business class cabin. The leaked design shows a two-seat sofa, individual seats, a small lamp, magazines and a television, along with what appears to be a self-service drinks area.
Unlike the staffed bar aboard Emirates’ A380, the new 777-9 lounge appears likely to be unstaffed and considerably smaller. That could make it more of a seated social space than the signature bar experience passengers currently enjoy on the superjumbo.
‘Game Changer’ suites to join the aircraft
The 777-9 will also receive Emirates’ acclaimed ‘Game Changer’ first-class suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling walls, doors, lie-flat seats and other premium amenities. The new aircraft is expected to expand their availability across Emirates’ network.
The new cabin strategy suggests Emirates is preparing for a future beyond the A380 while retaining the luxury touches that have helped define its brand.