Emirates is to retrofit 105 wide-body aircraft with its premium economy cabin plus other enhancements.
The 18-month project from the end of 2022 covers 52 Airbus A380 superjumbos and 53 Boeing 777s fitted with a new cabin class.
The airline is also considering installing a new business class on its Boeing 777s, with customised seats in a 1-2-1 layout.
At the end of the retrofit programme, Emirates will have a total of 111 B777s and A380s with premium economy seats, including six A380s that would have been delivered to the airline with four cabin classes by next month.
On the B777s, five rows of economy seats just behind business class will be removed to install 24 premium economy seats laid out in 2-4-2 configuration.
On the A380s, 56 premium economy seats will installed at the front of the main deck also in 2-4-2 configuration.
A380s with premium economy will be operating by the end of the year on the airline’s flights from Dubai to Heathrow, Frankfurt New York JFK and Paris.
Airline president Sir Tim Clark said: “Emirates is investing in this retrofit programme to ensure that we continue to serve our customers’ needs, and provide the best experiences in the sky.
“Since we introduced our premium economy seats a year back, we’ve received a hugely positive response. Customers have been amazed by the quality and comfort.
“As Emirates has done with our signature first, business and full-service economy travel experiences, we intend to further develop our premium economy into a distinctive experience that is unmatched in the industry.
“We are also considering a brand new business class product. More details will be revealed in due course.”
Emirates has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with aircraft engine supplier GE Aviation to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme.
The partnership will see an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER conduct a test flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by the end of 2022.
Currently, SAF approved for use is blended with conventional jet fuel.
The 100% SAF test flight is expected to demonstrate how widebody commercial aircraft using jet fuel made from alternative sources can lower lifecycle CO2 emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels with no operational issues.