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.

By David Flynn, August 13 2024
First impressions: Emirates new 777 business class

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.

Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.
Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.

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.

Emirates' new 777 business class (left) and its A380 business class (right).
Emirates' new 777 business class (left) and its A380 business class (right).

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.

The repositioned power outlet zone of Emirates' 777 business class.
The repositioned power outlet zone of Emirates' 777 business class.

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' "next generation" 777 business class.
Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.

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.

Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.
Emirates' "next generation" 777 business class.

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 self-serve snack bar of Emirates' revamped Boeing 777 business class.. Theflightclub.it
The self-serve snack bar of Emirates' revamped Boeing 777 business class.
Theflightclub.it

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.

The self-serve snack bar of Emirates' revamped Boeing 777 business class.. Theflightclub.it
The self-serve snack bar of Emirates' revamped Boeing 777 business class.
Theflightclub.it

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.

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 43

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 767

"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 26

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 397

Not sure how this would be possible with the different cabin widths between A380 and 777

18 Nov 2023

Total posts 24

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 25

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 72

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 18

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 207

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.

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 191

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 111

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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