Emirates, a global connector of people and places, is reinforcing its commitment further in Lebanon by upgrading both of its aircraft serving Beirut to an all Boeing 777 operation.

The Airbus 330-200 currently deployed on one of Beirut’s two daily flights, EK 953/954, will be upgraded to a larger Boeing 777-200LR from June 1, giving a 12 percent boost to seat capacity.

Similarly, the A330-200 supporting EK 957/958 will be up-gauged to a Boeing 777-300 as of Jan. 1, 2016, providing a 53 percent increase in the number of seats available to customers.

Majid Al-Mualla, Emirates’ divisional SVP, commercial operations, centre, said: “Lebanon is one of our most important markets in the Middle East so we are constantly seeking ways to enhance our services, while responding to healthy passenger demand. Both upgrades to our services will open up more seats to our customers travelling to and from Beirut and will boost Emirates’ contribution to Lebanon’s vital tourism industry, which is the backbone of its economy. The enhanced services and increased capacity will also expand Lebanese businesses’ access to global markets, yielding benefits to the country’s economic output.”

The UAE is home to almost 150,000 Lebanese residents, which form one of its largest expatriate communities. Since 1991, when the first service to Beirut was inaugurated, over 3.6 million passengers have flown on Emirates.

The Boeing 777 aircraft to be introduced on Beirut will feature luxurious First Class private suites, lie flat seats in Business Class and generous space for passengers in Economy Class.

Passengers travelling First Class have a baggage allowance of 50 kg, while the allowance in Business Class is 40 kg and in Economy Class 30 kg. Emirates SkyCargo will also offer an increased cargo bellyhold capacity of 560 tons per week in and out of Beirut.