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.

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).

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.

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’ 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.

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.
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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

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