Emirates new first class on the Boeing 777 will shrink from 8 seats — two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration — down to 6 seats, 2 rows in a 1-1-1 configuration. The existing suite debuted in 2003.

Current Emirates Suites (Upper Deck A380)

Current Emirates Suites (Upper Deck A380)

The existing Emirates suites product is narrow and blinged out. It’s a comfortable seat but without as much personal space as some competing products. The Airbus A380 is especially attractive in first class because of the two shower suites and the bar in business class, something that their 777 product does not offer.

They have a strong food and beverage program, and bountiful amenities, but their suite — while still a top 10 product — is no longer industry leading. I rank their seat clearly behind Etihad and Singapore’s A380s for instance.

The new Emirates product will be revealed November 12th at the Dubai Airshow but we now know that it will launch in service on December 1 from Dubai to:

Geneva:

• Dubai – Geneva, 2:50pm – 6:55pm, EK83
  
• Geneva – Dubai, 8:40pm – 6:05am+1, EK84

Brussels:

• Dubai – Brussels, 8:20am – 12:45pm, EK183
  
• Brussels – Dubai, 2:35pm – 12:15am+1, EK184

Emirates currently operates 165 Boeing 777s including freighters. They haven’t yet laid out retrofit plans for this fleet.

It’s exciting to see what 3-across first class suites will look like!