The refurbished A380 has been operating in Nice since 14 September. Emirates launched its reconfigured A380 on the Nice–Dubai route. An official presentation was held on 30 September at Nice Airport. The choice of Nice Côte d’Azur highlights the regional importance of this connection.
A $5 billion industrial retrofit programme. The airline is upgrading 229 aircraft, including 110 A380s. Each retrofit takes 22 days to complete. The goal is to align cabin offerings with the evolving demand for premium travel.
Premium Economy expands the existing product range. This new class features 56 wider seats and upgraded services. It targets customers seeking enhanced comfort at a controlled cost. Pricing is positioned between Economy and Business Class.
Nice–Dubai: a steadily growing route. Since 1994, over 3.2 million passengers have travelled this route. Approximately 5,000 flights have been operated to date.
Faithful to its commitment to offering an exceptional customer experience in France, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is deploying its fully retrofitted A380 on its daily service to Nice. This refurbished version of the A380 further enhances inflight comfort with its latest-generation cabins featuring a modern and refined design, and introduces the much-appreciated Premium Economy Class on the French Riviera.
Cédric Renard, Country Manager of Emirates France, along with Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, took part on Tuesday, September 30 in a press conference that included the exclusive presentation of the aircraft, attended by officials as well as representatives and key players from the Nice tourism sector.
Cédric Renard, Country Manager of Emirates France, stated: “Nice is our gateway to the French Riviera, one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. By deploying our fully retrofitted A380 on this highly popular route, we aim to offer our customers an even more upscale experience, allowing them to begin their journey in a luxurious setting even before landing. Our premium cabins have been particularly successful in France, and we anticipate increased demand with the deployment of Premium Economy Class and the new features introduced across all cabins. We remain committed to providing passengers traveling to and from France with the very best of the Emirates offering.”
Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, added: “It is an honor to welcome Emirates’ retrofitted A380 to Nice, further strengthening our partnership with one of the world’s most prestigious airlines. This aircraft, with its advanced features and Premium Economy offering, fits perfectly into our commitment to providing passengers with the highest level of comfort and connectivity to international destinations.”
Focus on the retrofitted Emirates A380
This A380, reconfigured in a four-class layout, features fully modernized interiors, with new color palettes, exclusive patterns inspired by the Ghaf tree, and wood finishes across all cabins.
The retrofitted Emirates A380 offers:
- 338 latest-generation seats in Economy Class
- 56 seats in Premium Economy Class
- 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class (1-2-1 configuration)
- 14 First Class suites
Emirates’ Premium Economy Class on the A380 has been designed to provide a travel experience that is both refined and accessible: a perfect balance between the space and sophistication of Business Class and the value of Economy Class. The seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, are upholstered in elegant cream leather with fine stitching and warm wood finishes. Inspired by Emirates Business Class, the culinary experience is equally refined, with meals served on porcelain tableware and accompanied by a selection of premium beverages, including exceptional French wines such as Albert Bichot Chablis 2022.
In Business Class, the 1-2-1 configuration ensures direct aisle access for every passenger. Its layout creates an environment conducive to both work and relaxation, while the iconic onboard lounge invites travelers to enjoy premium drinks and canapés at 40,000 feet.
In First Class, exclusivity and privacy are paramount with 14 fully enclosed suites, designed as true private sanctuaries in the sky. Behind the sliding doors, passengers can enjoy a wide leather seat that converts into a fully flat bed, a personal minibar, and exclusive access to the Shower Spa – available only on the Emirates A380. The gastronomic experience is exceptional, with multi-course menus on demand and prestigious wine pairings: Emirates First Class passengers can savor Dom Pérignon, as well as grand French vintages such as Corton–Charlemagne Grand Cru Nicolas Potel 2015, Château Pontet-Canet 2012, and Château Suduiraut 2013.
In Economy Class, comfort is enhanced through ergonomically designed seats with cushioned headrests, adjustable head supports, and next-generation entertainment screens. Calming blue tones and higher ceilings create a more spacious and brighter atmosphere, conducive to a relaxing journey.
To get a glimpse of the onboard experience of the Emirates A380 and all the newly refurbished cabins, click here.
An unprecedented modernization program
With a record investment of USD 5 billion, Emirates’ fleet modernization program is the most extensive initiative ever launched by an airline, entirely dedicated to enhancing the onboard experience. With 72 aircraft already retrofitted (35 A380s and 37 Boeing 777s), the program aims to install the latest Emirates cabins on a total of 219 aircraft.
By March 2026, Emirates will offer Premium Economy Class on its fleet of A380s, B777s, and A350s across 68 destinations worldwide, thus reinforcing its commitment to delivering the best inflight experience to its customers, by providing more premium options and greater choice across its global network.
