Emirates Unveils New 777 Business Class

Travelers praise airline's competitive product upgrade after years of subpar seating

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Emirates has rolled out a new business class configuration on its Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring a 1-2-1 layout that provides direct aisle access for all passengers. This marks a significant upgrade from the airline's previous 2-3-2 seating, which had drawn criticism from flyers.

Why it matters

As a major global carrier, Emirates' business class offerings are closely watched by travelers. The new 777 configuration brings the airline's premium product more in line with industry standards and should make it more competitive against other top carriers.

The details

The new Emirates 777 business class features fully lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, and other modern amenities. This represents a major improvement over the airline's previous cramped 2-3-2 layout, which had been widely panned by passengers.

  • Emirates unveiled the new 777 business class in February 2026.

The players

Emirates

A major international airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The last time I flew on Emirates, it was on their 777 out of Seattle to Dubai (then onto CPT). It was during Ramadan, so I made a point of picking up a prosciutto sandwich from the airport deli and ate it on board as my main. Lol And that Business Class was a joke. 2-3-2 seating configuration. Never again.”

— Dave Stafford (onemileatatime.com)

What’s next

Emirates plans to retrofit its entire 777 fleet with the new business class over the next 18 months.

The takeaway

Emirates' upgrade to a modern 1-2-1 business class configuration on the 777 should make the airline's premium product more competitive and appealing to high-end travelers after years of subpar seating.