Emirates Upgrades: A380 to Osaka with Premium Economy

Emirates A380 Premium Economy Osaka

Emirates is enhancing its services to Osaka, Japan, by introducing the A380 aircraft starting from June 1. This upgraded service will feature the airline's latest product, Premium Economy, making it the second Japanese gateway to operate with the newly upgraded aircraft.

The introduction of the A380 to Osaka signifies an upgrade in Emirates' operations to the city, offering increased seat capacity and introducing the highly sought-after Premium Economy Class. The refreshed interiors across First, Business, and Economy Class cabins will enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.

Replacing the current Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, Emirates' four-class A380 will operate the EK316/EK317 service to and from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport (KIX). With this upgrade, Emirates will offer 910 additional weekly seats between Dubai and Osaka, providing more opportunities for travelers to connect to popular destinations beyond Dubai, including Milan, Madrid, Brazil, Paris, and London.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of its services between Dubai and Osaka last year, Emirates has been a key player in facilitating travel between the two destinations. In 2023 alone, the airline carried more than 220,000 passengers on over 360 flights between Dubai and Osaka.

The four-class A380 deployed to Osaka will feature 14 First Class suites, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 56 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 338 ergonomically designed seats in Economy Class. The Premium Economy cabin, located at the front of the main deck, offers a 2-4-2 configuration with generous seat pitch and width, providing comfort for working and relaxing during the flight.

Passengers flying on the upgraded A380 can expect a premium travel experience with expertly curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu, and extensive beverage options. The airline's "ice" in-flight entertainment system offers up to 6,500 channels of movies, TV programs, and music to cater to diverse preferences.

Emirates' Premium Economy product, initially launched on the Dubai-Narita route in December 2023, has received positive feedback from customers. Currently available on flights to 14 other destinations globally, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London Heathrow, the Premium Economy offering has proven popular among travelers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities.

The A380 operations to Kansai International Airport (KIX) align with Japan's expectations of increased tourism, particularly in the Kansai region, which boasts unique attractions in cities like Osaka and Kyoto. Additionally, events such as the Osaka-Kansai Expo planned for 2025 are expected to further boost tourism in the region.

Emirates' commitment to providing convenient air connectivity extends beyond Osaka, with daily four-class A380 service to Tokyo Narita and daily Boeing 777-300ER service to Tokyo Haneda. These scheduled operations cater to the growing demand for air travel in Japan's largest international travel hubs, further solidifying Emirates' position as a preferred choice for travelers flying to and from Japan.