News
Emirates to reduce first class seat count
June 9th 2017
Dubai’s Emirates Airline will reduce the first class seat count on its incoming B777-300ERs. The UAE carrier will configure all new -300ERs with six first class suites in a 1-1-1 layout, compared to the 1-2-1 configuration on its current B777 fleet. Read More » The move was expected, considering the airline’s latest A380 deliveries feature business and economy class seating only.
Emirates president Tim Clark said: “Our products and services across cabin classes are continually improved and enhanced. But what our customers will see on Emirates’ new 777s, starting from November, will be a much bigger revamp that takes our on-board experience to the next level. All cabins will sport a totally fresh new look.”
A premium class revamp at Emirates is overdue. Most in the industry would agree that the airline’s current first and business class products have lost their edge over competing products at Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and even Lufthansa.
In March 2016, Emirates unveiled a new 2-3-2 business class seat, which most industry observers said was underwhelming, given that more than 40% of the seats did not feature direct aisle access and there will continue to be a centre seat.
In the past 18 months, Emirates and Clark have regularly gone on the record saying their premium class loads were suffering from the slowdown in the world economy, terror in Europe and a strong greenback. That said, reducing the first class inventory is a prudent step but more ought to be done in the business cabin to retain corporate flyers.
