Emirates rejigs Boeing 777s

Emirates airline on Sunday unveiled new interiors for its Boeing 777 fleet where all passengers in the first class private suite will have a window view - even those in the middle aisle.

Addressing a Press conference on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow, Tim Clark, president, Emirates airline, said the suites located in the middle aisle have been equipped with 'virtual windows' using real-time camera technology which enables passengers to see the outside view both on their left and right.

"Every suite has a window. We put five high-definition cameras which relay images of the outside. So, you're looking from the centre seat as if you are sitting on the window seat, giving you better images than you can see with the naked eye," Clark said.

The passengers can also use a touch-screen gadget onboard to speak with cabin crew. First class passengers also have dine on-demand service.

The carrier, according to Clark, spent millions of dollars on the refurbishment of the aircraft's interiors, including washroom, in-flight entertainment systems and newly-designed seats.

Passengers can enjoy 2,500 channels onboard, which would be doubled later, said Emirates president Clark.

Ruling out any additional charges for the refurbished interiors, Clark said the first class segment cannot be eliminated and it would remain core to Emirates. Western airlines are increasingly shedding first class and replacing them with premium economy class.

Inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S-class, each fully enclosed suite offers 40 square feet of personal space.

The airline is currently the largest operator of the Boeing 777 aircraft. It has 165 Boeing 777s in its fleet and a further 164 on firm order. According to Clark, demand for first class remains strong on China and European routes.

Source: Khaleej Times