Emirates has introduced its first class “Game-Changer” suites to Australia for the first time, with Melbourne leading the charge.
The Victorian capital has also become the first Aussie city in Emirates’ network to offer premium economy on all its flights, thanks to the airline’s newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
The debut of the new cabins comes just days after Emirates launched a third daily non-stop service between Melbourne and Dubai, which commenced on 30 March 2025. The new service significantly boosts capacity and offers more flexibility for Australian travellers heading to Dubai and beyond.
“Melbourne holds a special place in Emirates’ heart, being the first city where we began our Australian journey nearly three decades ago,” Emirates Regional Sales Manager Dean Cleaver said.
“Now, Melbourne is among the first cities to experience our newly retrofitted Boeing 777 and becomes the first city on our Australian network to offer our award-winning premium economy cabin across all services.”
More like a private jet?
For those flying at the pointy end, the first class offering – which Emirates has dubbed its “Game-Changer” suites – aims to take luxury to a new level.
The new suites were inspired by the Mercedes Benz S-Class, but has even a Mercedes ever looked this good? The fully enclosed private suites come with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, zero gravity seats, personal temperature controls and virtual windows for middle-row passengers – and if you’re keen to take in the real views, Emirates is providing first class passengers with binoculars.
The enhanced experience extends to the dining table, too. Emirates’ new “Our First Class” menu and white glove service look to redefine inflight fine dining, complete with a signature caviar experience presented in Robert Welch-designed bowls and an enhanced cheese selection, arriving in May.
Premium & business glow-up
Melbourne is also the first Australian city to offer premium economy across all Emirates flights.
Passengers in this cabin enjoy extra-wide seats, six-way adjustable headrests, a greater recline and a 13.3-inch screen – one of the largest in its class. The cream leather and wood finish also reflects the airline’s private jet aesthetic, adding an extra touch of quiet luxury.
Meanwhile, business class travellers can stretch out in a spacious 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access, a 20.7-inch-wide flat-bed seat and an HD 23-inch screen – one of the biggest in the sky, according to the airline.
More flights, more options
With the new daily service, Emirates now operates three daily flights between Melbourne and Dubai, including two Airbus A380 services.
The additional Boeing 777 flight means over 4,000 weekly premium economy seats are now available from Melbourne alone.
“We’re proud to have been Emirates’ first Australian destination and we’re proud that Emirates continues to invest in Melbourne with another Australian first,” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said.
“Having three daily non-stop flights to Dubai offers travellers both choice and convenience into one of the world’s most connected hubs, and we’re confident premium passengers will embrace the enhanced product offering on the Boeing 777.”
The third flight also adds to the Dubai-based carrier’s connectivity to over 40 European cities, including London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Multi-billion dollar upgrade
The retrofitted B777 is part of Emirates’ massive multi-billion-dollar cabin refurbishment program, which aims to ensure a next-level experience across its 380 and 777 fleet.
“In 2024, our progressive and measured resumption of operations to and from Australia saw Emirates fully restore its pre-pandemic capacity,” Cleaver stated.
“Now, Emirates can continue its focus on our commitment to providing passengers cutting edge products across every cabin which offer excellent value, exceptional choice, and seamless connectivity to Europe and beyond.”
Want to know what it’s like to fly from Sydney all the way to Lisbon with Emirates? Check out our full review of the EK service here.
