Only two months after launching its operations to Abuja, Emirates, a global connector of people and places, announces it will upgrade the route’s operating aircraft to a Boeing 777-200ER, starting from Oct. 1.

Emirates launched a daily service to Abuja — its second Nigerian gateway and 22nd passenger destination in Africa — on Aug. 1 utilizing the Airbus A340-300. The new aircraft will continue to operate daily to Nigeria’s capital and offer 274 seats in the three cabins; 12 luxurious lie-flat seats in First Class, 42 deeply reclining seats in Business Class, and generous space for 220 passengers in Economy Class.

“The upgrade of our Abuja service to a Boeing 777 demonstrates our commitment to Nigeria market and another step to ensure we offer world class products to our customers in Nigeria. Since its launch on Aug. 1, Emirates boosted international tourism and trade in Abuja from a raft of destinations in the Far East, West Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America,” said Adil Al-Ghaith, Emirates VP commercial operations, northern and western Africa.

The airline currently operates twice daily to Lagos and daily to Abuja, giving a total of nearly 14,000 seats per week — a testament to the growing importance of Nigeria as a key Emirates market.

“Emirates constantly strives to provide its passengers with the very best service and the introduction of a Boeing B777-200 ER reflects that commitment. Our 777-200ER will offer Emirates’ renowned cabin comforts and facilities, including our award-winning ice entertainment system,” added Al-Ghaith.

On-board customers will enjoy specially created regional menus and a wide range of movies, TV programs, games and music through ice, Emirates' multi-award winning in-flight entertainment system, while being served by Emirates’ multilingual cabin crew from over 160 countries around the world.