Emirates Expands Riyadh Services with Next-Gen Refurbished Boeing 777s and Exclusive Premium Offerings
(IN SHORT) Emirates has announced plans to introduce refurbished Boeing 777s on additional daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, making Riyadh the first Middle Eastern and GCC city served entirely by these modernized aircraft. The new services will begin on 30 March 2025 for flights EK815 and EK816, with a third service commencing on 7 May 2025 and moving to daily operations by 11 August 2025, subject to early aircraft release. This expansion follows the successful introduction of the first retrofitted Boeing 777 in October 2024 on flights EK819 and EK820. The upgrades enhance the passenger experience with improved Business Class (1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access), Premium Economy (2-4-2 layout), First Class suites, and a refreshed Economy cabin. Additionally, Emirates’ exclusive Chauffeur-Drive Services, launched in November 2024, now serve Riyadh, offering premium door-to-door transfers for First and Business Class passengers. Currently, the airline operates 72 weekly flights to Saudi Arabia using a mixed fleet of Boeing 777s and A380s. The new initiative aims to further elevate passenger comfort and operational efficiency while expanding Emirates’ network.
(PRESS RELEASE) Dubai, UAE, 2025-Mar-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates has announced an exciting expansion of its fleet services to Riyadh, marking a historic milestone as the first regional destination in the Middle East and GCC to be served entirely by its refurbished Boeing 777s. The airline is set to roll out newly retrofitted aircraft on its second and third daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, with operations commencing on 30 March and 7 May 2025, respectively.
This strategic enhancement follows the successful deployment of the first retrofitted Boeing 777 to Riyadh in October 2024, when the airline first introduced its state-of-the-art aircraft on flights EK819 and EK820. The move reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to offering passengers an elevated travel experience, particularly through the advanced features of its new Business Class and Premium Economy cabins.
Under the new arrangement, Emirates will operate flights EK815 and EK816 with the refurbished Boeing 777 beginning 30 March 2025. From 7 May 2025, a third service—flights EK817 and EK818—will be introduced on a six-flight-per-week basis, eventually moving to daily operations from 11 August 2025, provided the refurbishment schedule allows an earlier release of the aircraft.
The refurbished Boeing 777s boast a range of enhanced features designed to deliver unmatched comfort and efficiency. The Premium Economy section now features a spacious 2-4-2 seating layout, while the Business Class cabin has been upgraded to a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for each passenger, alongside refined First Class suites and a refreshed Economy cabin. These improvements are a direct response to robust customer feedback, driving Emirates to expand its portfolio of premium products.
Emirates continues to set new standards in service with its exclusive Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS), introduced in November 2024 in Riyadh. This unique offering provides First and Business Class passengers with a seamless, premium door-to-door transfer, making Riyadh the only regional destination to enjoy this exceptional service—an exclusivity that underscores Emirates’ dedication to luxury and innovation.
Currently, Emirates operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 777s and A380s, offering 72 weekly flights to all four Saudi Arabian gateways. With this expansion, the airline not only solidifies its presence on the route between Dubai and Riyadh but also strengthens its overall network. Tickets for these services can be booked via emirates.com, the Emirates App, or through both online and offline travel agents.
About Emirates
The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft. Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies.
We inspire travelers around the world with our growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine, and world-class service.
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Email: pr@emirates.com
Source: Emirates
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