Emirates is set to redefine travel between Dubai and Riyadh, announcing the deployment of its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on two additional daily flights.
This strategic move will commence from March 30th and May 7th, respectively. It sees the continued rollout of the upgraded aircraft across the airline’s international network.
Passengers traveling between Dubai and Riyadh will see Emirates’ latest generation Business Class seats and the highly acclaimed Premium Economy product.
This upgrade aims to provide a seamless and comfortable journey, whether passengers are exploring Dubai or connecting to other destinations within Emirates’ extensive network.
Riyadh: A Regional First
Notably, Riyadh will become the first city in the Middle East and GCC region. It is one of the select few globally to be served exclusively by Emirates’ latest retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.
This significant investment highlights the airline’s dedication to the Saudi Arabian market.
Rollout Schedule for Upgraded 777s
The phased introduction of these enhanced aircraft is meticulously planned:
- March 30th, 2025: Emirates flight numbers EK815 and EK816 will begin operating with the refurbished Boeing 777.
- May 7th, 2025: The third daily service, EK817 and EK818, will transition to the retrofitted aircraft. This will operate initially with six flights per week.
- August 11th, 2025: The EK817 and EK818 service will expand to daily operations with the upgraded aircraft.
This expansion builds upon the successful introduction of the retrofitted 777s on flights EK819 and EK820 in October 2024. The initial service garnered overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
Premium Cabin Features
The newly refurbished Emirates Boeing 777 boasts several key enhancements:
- Premium Economy: Configured in a comfortable 2-4-2 layout, offering passengers ample space and enhanced comfort.
- Business Class: Features a 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access for every passenger, ensuring maximum privacy and convenience.
- First Class: Retains its luxurious suites, offering an exclusive and opulent travel experience.
- Economy Class: Undergoes a refresh, enhancing the overall comfort and ambiance of the cabin.
Exclusive Chauffeur-Drive Service
Further elevating the premium travel experience, Emirates introduced its Chauffeur-Drive Service (CDS) in Riyadh in November 2024.
This service provides First and Business Class passengers with a seamless door-to-door journey, mirroring the airline’s exceptional onboard service.
Riyadh stands as the first and only regional destination to offer CDS for premium customers, and Emirates is the sole airline providing this exclusive service in the city.
Conclusion
Emirates currently operates 72 weekly flights to four key gateways in Saudi Arabia, utilizing a mix of Boeing 777s and A380s.
The airline’s decision to deploy more retrofitted 777s on the Riyadh route demonstrates its ongoing commitment to enhancing its services for its Saudi Arabian customers.
With plans to expand the network of cities served by this fleet type in the coming months, Emirates continues to solidify its position as a leading global airline.
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