First impressions: Emirates new 777 business class
The dated 2-3-2 layout with its dreaded middle seat makes way for a modern superjumbo-inspired business class.
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Emirates’ next-gen Boeing 777 business class is now flying on selected routes between Dubai, Europe and Japan – with plenty more destinations to follow as the multi-million dollar upgrade program sweeps across some 80 of the Gulf carrier’s 120-strong 777 fleet.
This means first impressions from business class flyers are now in, and the verdict appears to be “overdue yet underwhelming.”
The general consensus on Emirates’ latest 777 business class is that it’s obviously a huge step up from the previous product (especially its 2-3-2 layout and that dreaded middle seat), but does little to close the gap against best-in-class competitors such as Qatar Airways.
That should come as no surprise: this “new” Emirates 777 business class is simply a refreshed version of its A380 business class, which in turn debuted in 2008.
Yes, the 777 finally delivers a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access for every passenger, with a staggered arrangement which puts some seats directly adjacent to that aisle and others right next to the window.
But while Emirates is touting this as a “next generation” business class, it’s more like a last generation seat with a handful of concessions to the modern era.
Some of those touches include the addition of two USB-C ports – one integrated into the universal AC socket, the other next to a USB-A outlet – at the edge of the shelf.
In theory that’s a better position than on the A380, where the AC/USB ports are perched up above shoulder-height, although the closeness of the sideways-mounted AC outlet to the benchtop surface could be a problem for many modern laptops with thick Apple-style ‘wall-wart’ power adaptors.
And another mod-con which is now expected for all new business class seats – wireless device charging – is nowhere to be seen.
Some passengers on Emirates’ new 777 business class seat have also called out a lack of personal storage space around the seat, again compared to other business class seats with a variety of shelves, nooks, cabinets and drawers where travellers can stow an assortment of items while keeping them close at hand.
Perhaps the biggest drawback cited by travellers on Emirates’ latest 777 business class is the lack of privacy, especially in seats right next to the aisle.
Emirates’ new 777 business class seat itself is comfortable enough, measuring 20.7" across and topped by a thick padded headrest.
The wide seat is complemented by an oversized table for dining and working, and when sleep calls, the seat reclines to a fully-flat 78" (2 metre) bed.
The airline has also wound back the bling – or at least turned the dial back from 10 to around maybe an 8 – and leant more into a softer, warmer palette, although the lustrous brass-gold and faux wood will remain subject to individual taste.
Finally, the Boeing 777 business class cabin now includes what Emirates describes as “a small bar for customers to quickly grab mid-flight snacks and refreshments.” Just don’t expect anything like the iconic bar of the Emirates A380...
The 777 version is less a bar than a self-serve shelf tucked away at the rear of the cabin, directly behind a pair of middle seats and atop a piece of bulkhead furniture.
Emirates is putting 38 lie-flat seats in the revamped 777 business class cabin (down from the current count of 42) ahead of a dedicated cabin of 24 premium economy recliners; the 777’s first class cabins are also getting a refresh.
Meanwhile, the arrival of the first Emirates Boeing 777-9 is still two years away.
“At the moment it looks like the delivery will slip from 2025 to 2026,“ Kazim told media on the sidelines of the mid-year IATA conference in Dubai, adding that this delay drove the airline’s decision to upgrade its 777-300ERs.
Also read: Five tips for getting an Emirates Skywards status match
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
15 Mar 2019
Total posts 21
David
Do you have a full schedule for the refit. In particular we're interested in finding out when the London Stansted to Dubai flights will be upgraded.
17 Nov 2023
Total posts 37
Why they're not upgrading the 380s first I have no idea.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jan 2018
Total posts 128
Getting the B777 in line with A380 makes more sense. The A380 already has all aisle access. If they upgrade the older product first then they can keep the existing on the A380 and upgrade after the 777, do a mid life refresh, and then dispose of it in 2041 when the aircraft is retired. At that point they’ll be bringing out a new product on their 779/787/350/etc.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Jan 2015
Total posts 36
I hope Boeing have paid for the refurb !
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 731
"Emirates also . . . revamping its A380s to keep them flying until at least 2041."
Now that is great news, I'd missed that earlier reporting, thank-you.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Nov 2011
Total posts 27
Are these 777 seats old a380 seats they were no longer going to use and simply refurbished them? Not having wireless charging or bluetooth connectivity indicates to me they have opted to use seats they no longer needed (from parked a380s?) as new seats would surely have these features. This will be quite the contrast from Qatar QSuites and Etihad Suites but still on par with Qantas 787/a380 Business Class.
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 391
Not sure how this would be possible with the different cabin widths between A380 and 777
18 Nov 2023
Total posts 21
Probably because the cabin width of a B777 and the top deck width of an A380 (where Emirates Business Class is situated) are almost exactly the same width (B777 5.87m, A380 5.9m, difference 0.03m/1.17” … 15mm/<5/8” per aisle). Been about 5 years since spouse and self occupied the Business Class cabin of an Emirates A380 … I’m struggling to see any difference between today’s B777 upgrade and the A380 Business cabin of 5+ years ago.
25 Jun 2012
Total posts 61
This has to be the most outdated new product any "5 star" airline has put in a refreshed plane... wow. How incredibly disappointing.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Mar 2020
Total posts 23
thats great - I flew the 777-200 J class and it was quite spacious with the 2-2-2 seating
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
VAST improvement.. although seems they missed an opportunity to leapfrog their opponents and missed other with a bare minimum effort!!
26 Mar 2020
Total posts 70
Having consistent product across its fleet - will give it an edge over Qatar Airways who is known for Q Suites in on some aircraft and standard business in others
18 Feb 2018
Total posts 17
I quite like the 'softer tones' of the cabin but I do not understand why Emirates continues to use reflective wood veneer in their cabins - The amount of reflection it causes is really rather annoying and you are continually 'seeing' what other passengers are watching, whether you want to, or not. Eye masks are also a must for sleeping (or is that just me).
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
12 Apr 2017
Total posts 208
Any upgrade to 2-2-2 is fantastic.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
"HD" screens from 2008...anything new should be 4K as other airlines are introducing. So much hype for so much mediocrity.
19 Aug 2011
Total posts 55
I would have thought the seat design was meant to go in the new 777 and as such was designed and manufactures some time ago. With the delays to 777X they are simply using what looks like an outdated seat design with no home to go to, to refurbish the older 777s since they have to now keep the planes for longer and don't have their new 777Xs. If I was them, I would start designing a better version for the late 777Xs, doors, 4K screens, wireless charging etc.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 181
I totally get how this is considered underwhelming, considering the hype that emanates from Emirates. But I look at this way: any move away from that un-premium 2 - 3 - 2 layout is a quantum leap forward. It's the whole reason I avoid them in the first place, in case I get stuck on an ancient 777 instead of the a380.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Aug 2018
Total posts 112
What I will be looking for is a place to recharge my hearing aids in an unobtrusive nook or cranny upon my return from Venice next June in hopefully the refurbished B 777. A first world problem, but!
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