Emirates to launch Premium Economy on Beijing and Beirut routes

Dubai-based Emirates will introduce Premium Economy seating on newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft serving two routes in 2026: Dubai-Beirut from 6 January and Dubai-Beijing from 1 February. 

 

Beijing will become Emirates’ fourth destination in China to receive the upgraded aircraft with next-generation products. Passengers travelling to and from Beirut will also experience the airline’s new Business Class cabin in a 1-2-1 configuration. 

 

First launched in 2021 on the A380 Dubai-London route, Premium Economy offers travellers an enhanced cabin experience with wider seats, greater recline, leg and foot rests and elevated dining. Premium Economy passengers are also offered increased baggage allowance, with 35kg for checked luggage and 10kg carry-on. 

 

The refurbished Boeing 777 aircraft also features upgraded interiors with wood finishes across all cabins. The plane has a four-class configuration with 260 Economy seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, 40 Business Class seats and eight First Class Suites. 

 

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Passengers travelling from Beijing or Beirut with onward Emirates connections can enjoy a consistent Premium Economy experience on additional flights, as the airline continues to add the cabin category across its global network. Throughout 2025, it has been rolled out on routes to Kuala Lumpur, Adelaide, Oslo, Kolkata and Malé, among others. 

 

Currently, services to Lebanon’s capital depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 15:40, arriving at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) at 17:00. The return leg departs at 19:45 and lands in Dubai at 00:50. 

 

For Beijing, the outbound flight leaves DXB at 03:20, arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at 14:45. Inbound services depart at 00:40, landing in Dubai at 05:30.  

 

In addition to new cabin classes, Emirates continues to enhance onboard experiences, with plans to introduce free Starlink WiFi across its entire fleet by 2027. Unveiled at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, the service will offer ground-like connectivity in the sky.   

 

For more information, visit emirates.com