Emirates Elevates African Routes with Premium Economy and Next-Gen Aircraft Rollout
Emirates is setting new standards for air travel across the continent as it continues its rollout of retrofitted Boeing 777 and all-new Airbus A350 aircraft, introducing the acclaimed Premium Economy experience to more African destinations. This move is part of a global network enhancement, but the focus on Africa signals a renewed commitment to delivering premium comfort, increased connectivity, and greater capacity for both leisure and business travelers on the continent.
One of the standout highlights for Africa is the deployment of the airline’s next-generation A350 on a new third daily service between Dubai and Cape Town starting 1 July 2026. This additional frequency not only offers travelers a state-of-the-art onboard experience—including generous legroom, upgraded amenities, and refined dining—but also responds to the robust demand observed on the Cape Town route. The extra flight is strategically timed to optimize connections with key source markets, including London, Dublin, Mumbai, Brussels, and major Australasian and Asian gateways. This sets the stage for Cape Town to further solidify its role as a leading African tourism and business hub, while also providing seamless links to and from the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
Another notable enhancement is the introduction of the retrofitted three-class Boeing 777-200LR on daily services between Dubai and Addis Ababa from 1 March. This upgrade brings the Premium Economy product to Ethiopia, opening up a new level of comfort and service for travelers between East Africa and the Gulf, as well as onward to Europe, North America, and Asia via Emirates’ Dubai hub. The offering is expected to be particularly attractive for passengers looking for value-added comfort and elevated service on key African routes, especially as demand rebounds in the wake of growing international travel trends.
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabins have been recognized for delivering a superior flying experience, featuring wider seats, more legroom, enhanced dining options, and thoughtful amenities that cater to both business and leisure passengers. By introducing these upgraded cabins on more than 84 routes by July, Emirates is positioning itself as a preferred carrier for discerning African travelers who value both efficiency and comfort.
The enhanced schedule to Cape Town—now with three daily flights—mirrors the airline’s ongoing strategy to match capacity with market demand. Over the past year, Emirates has reported consistently high load factors on its double daily Cape Town service, especially during peak travel periods. The new A350-operated frequency is expected to further boost inbound arrivals from the GCC and outbound demand to Europe and the US East Coast, creating fresh opportunities for African tour operators, hospitality businesses, and the wider tourism value chain.
As the Emirates network expands, African destinations are increasingly integrated into a global web of connectivity. The airline’s latest aircraft also offer improved operational efficiency and sustainability, aligning with evolving traveler expectations and industry priorities. For African travel professionals, these developments open the door to new product offerings, targeted marketing for premium clientele, and enhanced package deals that leverage the airline’s global reach and elevated onboard service.
With travelers now expecting more from their journey than ever before, Emirates’ investment in fleet modernization and service upgrades on African routes is poised to set a new benchmark for long-haul travel to and from the continent. The introduction of Premium Economy, in particular, marks a significant opportunity for the African travel sector to attract higher-spending visitors, foster loyalty among returning guests, and drive sustained growth in both inbound and outbound markets over the coming years.
