Emirates Elevates Osaka Service with A380 Upgrade Featuring Premium Economy

Emirates is set to enhance its Osaka service significantly by introducing its flagship Airbus A380, complete with the latest Premium Economy cabins, starting 1 June 2024. This strategic upgrade marks Osaka as the second Japanese destination to enjoy the newly retrofitted aircraft, promising an elevated travel experience for passengers flying to and from Japan's second-largest city.

The transition to the four-class A380 will see the replacement of the current Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the EK316/EK317 route to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). This move not only introduces Premium Economy to the route but also increases weekly seat capacity by 910, offering more travel opportunities through Emirates’ Dubai hub to popular global destinations such as Milan, Madrid, Brazil, Paris, and London.

This upgrade comes after Emirates celebrated 20 years of service between Dubai and Osaka, a period during which the airline has carried over 220,000 passengers across more than 360 flights in 2023 alone. The four-class A380 configuration includes 14 First Class suites, 76 Business Class lie-flat seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 338 ergonomically designed Economy Class seats, offering a range of luxury and comfort options to meet diverse passenger needs.

The Premium Economy class, positioned at the forefront of the main deck in a 2-4-2 layout, promises enhanced comfort with generous seat pitch and width, in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, and curated in-flight amenities. Emirates' award-winning "ice" entertainment system will keep passengers engaged with up to 6,500 channels of movies, TV programs, and music. Additional exclusive services like the onboard lounge for Business and First Class, as well as the shower spa for First Class passengers, underscore Emirates’ commitment to providing a memorable journey.

Following the successful introduction of Premium Economy on the Dubai-Narita route in December 2023, Emirates has expanded this offering to 14 other international destinations, showcasing the growing appeal of this distinct class among travelers.

The decision to enhance A380 operations to Osaka aligns with Japan's anticipation of increased tourism, especially with the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. Alongside its A380 service to Tokyo Narita and Boeing 777-300ER service to Tokyo Haneda, Emirates solidifies its presence in Japan, offering extensive connectivity to accommodate the surging travel demand.

Emirates continues to demonstrate its dedication to passenger convenience and luxury, evidenced by the resumption of its Chauffeur-drive service in Tokyo Haneda and the introduction of a complimentary shuttle bus service for Economy class travelers, enhancing the overall travel experience in Japan.

As Emirates gears up to roll out its premium A380 experience to Osaka, passengers can look forward to a journey that combines comfort, luxury, and exceptional service, further cementing the airline's reputation as a leader in global aviation.