Emirates Marks 40 Years of Karachi Operations with Showcase of Retrofitted B777 Featuring Premium Economy

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, commemorated 40 years of operations to Pakistan by showcasing its retrofitted Boeing 777 featuring the airline’s Premium Economy cabins at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. The event celebrated Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Pakistan, which began with its maiden flight, EK600, to Karachi in 1985.

The exclusive preview event was attended by key stakeholders from the aviation and travel sectors, members of the media, and senior officials, including UAE Consul General H.E. Bakheet Ateeq Al-Rumaithi, and was hosted by Mohammed Alhashmi, Emirates’ Vice President for Pakistan.

“Karachi holds a special place in Emirates’ history as the first international destination we flew to from Dubai,” said Alhashmi. “Over the past four decades, we have proudly connected Pakistan to the world—supporting travellers, businesses, and communities while contributing to the country’s aviation growth and economy.”

He added that Emirates remains committed to enhancing the customer experience through continued innovation. “Our Premium Economy product has redefined mid-tier travel, offering exceptional comfort and value. We hope to introduce it on Karachi routes in the near future.”

Four Decades of Partnership

Since launching operations in 1985, Emirates has operated over 87,000 flights between Dubai and Karachi, carrying more than 19 million passengers. Across its five destinations in Pakistan, the airline has served 36 million passengers on 146,000 flights.

Emirates also plays a vital role in facilitating trade, transporting around 73,000 tonnes of cargo annually between Pakistan and international markets. Notably, the airline’s inaugural Karachi flight generated revenue solely from cargo, as passengers were flown free of charge.

With three daily flights between Karachi and Dubai, Emirates continues to serve as a key connector for travellers heading to global destinations including Jeddah, London, Toronto, New York, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur.

A New Standard in Comfort: Emirates Premium Economy

The showcased retrofitted B777 introduces Emirates’ latest four-class configuration, including its much-acclaimed Premium Economy cabin. The class features spacious cream leather reclining seats, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging, wood-finished cocktail tables, and a 13.3-inch HD screen. Travellers also enjoy enhanced regional dining options, complimentary amenity kits, and upgraded entertainment through the airline’s ice system, which now includes a wider range of Urdu content.

A Legacy of Connectivity

Emirates’ 40-year journey in Pakistan reflects a legacy of innovation and partnership, aligning with the nation’s growing role in global aviation. The airline continues to connect Pakistan’s people and businesses to over 140 destinations worldwide, underscoring its commitment to expanding connectivity, comfort, and service excellence.