Passengers on the Nice-Dubai route can now enjoy the new Premium Economy Class out of the Côte d’Azur.
Nice, 1 October 2025 – True to its commitment to provide an exceptional customer experience in France, Emirates, the world's largest international airline, is deploying its fully refurbished A380 on its daily route to Nice. This retrofitted version of the A380 further enhances passengers’ in-flight comfort with its latest-generation of cabins featuring a modern and refined design, and introduces the highly acclaimed Premium Economy Class on its flights to and from the French Riviera.
Cédric Renard, Managing Director of Emirates France, and Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, took part in a press conference on Tuesday 30 September, which included an exclusive tour of the aircraft, accompanied by officials and key representatives and players from the Nice tourism sector.
Cédric Renard, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates France, said: “Nice is our gateway to the Côte d'Azur, one of the most popular destinations in the world. By deploying our fully refurbished A380 on this very popular route, we want to offer our customers an experience that is even more high-end, allowing them to begin their journey in luxurious surroundings before they even land. Our premium cabins are particularly popular in France, and we anticipate that demand will increase with the rollout of Premium Economy Class and the new enhancements to all cabins. We remain committed to offering passengers travelling to and from France the best service Emirates can provide.”
Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, added: “It is an honour to welcome Emirates' retrofitted A380 to Nice, further strengthening our partnership with one of the world's most prestigious airlines. This aircraft, with its advanced features and Premium Economy service, fits perfectly with our desire to offer our passengers the highest level of comfort on routes to international destinations.”
This A380, redesigned in a four-class configuration, features completely modernised interiors with new colour palettes, exclusive designs inspired by the Ghaf tree and wood finishes in all cabins.
The retrofitted Emirates A380 offers:
Emirates Premium Economy Class on the A380 has been designed to provide a refined yet accessible travel experience: a perfect balance between the space and refinement of Business Class and the value of Economy Class. The seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, are upholstered in elegant cream leather with fine topstitching and warm wood finishes. Inspired by Emirates Business Class, the dining experience is equally refined, with meals served on porcelain tableware and accompanied by a selection of premium beverages, including exceptional French wines such as Chablis Albert Bichot 2022.
In Business Class, the 1-2-1 configuration guarantees direct aisle access for every passenger. Its layout creates an environment conducive to both work and relaxation, while the iconic onboard lounge invites you to enjoy premium drinks and petits fours at an altitutde of 12,000 metres.
In First Class, exclusivity and privacy are guaranteed with 14 fully enclosed suites, designed as true private sanctuaries in the sky. Behind the sliding doors, passengers can relax in a large leather seat that converts into a fully flat bed, a personal minibar and exclusive access to the Shower Spa – only available on the Emirates’ A380. The dining experience is exceptional, with multi-course menus on demand and prestigious wine pairings: Emirates First Class passengers can enjoy Dom Pérignon, as well as French grands crus such as Corton–Charlemagne Grand Cru Nicolas Potel 2015, Château Pontet-Canet 2012, and Château Suduiraut 2013.
In Economy Class, comfort is optimised with ergonomic seats with padded cushions, adjustable headrests and state-of-the-art entertainment screens. Soothing blue tones and raised ceilings create a more spacious and brighter atmosphere, conducive to a relaxing journey.
For a glimpse of the Emirates’ A380 onboard experience and all the newly refurbished cabins, click here.
With a record investment of $5 billion, Emirates' fleet modernisation programme is the largest ever undertaken by an airline, entirely dedicated to improving the onboard experience. With 72 aircraft already retrofitted (35 A380s and 37 Boeing 777s), the programme plans to implement the latest Emirates cabins in 219 aircraft in the future.
By March 2026, Emirates will offer Premium Economy Class on its A380, B777 and A350 fleets to 68 destinations worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to providing the best onboard experience for its customers by offering more premium options and choices across its network.
Emirates is one of the most award-winning international airlines, operating across six continents. It connects passengers and facilitates global trade from its modern hub in Dubai to more than 140 destinations. The airline operates one of the most modern and efficient fleets, consisting of Airbus A380, Airbus 350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, which are spacious and comfortable. Passengers travelling with Emirates enjoy an exceptional in-flight experience, with world-class products and services, regionally inspired menus and over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment through Emirates' award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ICE. The airline has been serving France for more than 30 years and currently operates 35 weekly flights, including three daily flights on the A380 from Paris, one daily flight on the A380 from Nice, and one daily flight from Lyon operated by the brand new A350.
Nice airport has just been awarded Level 5 accreditation, the highest and most demanding level of the international voluntary standard for managing greenhouse gas emissions from airports. It is the first major airport* in France to achieve this level.
As the international showcase of the French Riviera, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is launching a public call for tenders to welcome a high-end retail concept within Terminal 2. The 74m² space is designed to elevate the passenger experience through refinement, modernity, and artisanal excellence.
PRESS RELEASE - 8 of August 2025
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