Emirates has officially added the Airbus A350-900 to its fleet making it the first new aircraft type addition for the airline since 2008.
The event, hosted by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, was attended by UAE Minister of Economy His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, along with VIPs, government officials, aerospace industry partners, media representatives, and aviation enthusiasts. Guests had the opportunity to explore the A350’s interiors, showcasing advanced technology and next-generation cabin features.
The Emirates A350 offers three cabin classes with seating for 312 passengers: 32 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats with extra legroom. The aircraft highlights the airline’s focus on enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. This marks the first addition of a new aircraft type to the Emirates fleet since 2008.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, stated:
"Today represents a significant milestone as we present our first A350 and embark on a new chapter of fleet and network expansion. This aircraft will allow Emirates to extend its global reach with greater efficiency, range, and flexibility, enabling access to new markets and opportunities. Its upgraded interiors will elevate the travel experience across all cabin classes. The 65 A350s joining our fleet will also play a key role in aligning with Dubai’s D33 Strategy to strengthen the city’s connectivity and position as a global economic hub."
Philippe Mhun, Executive Vice President of Programmes & Services at Airbus, added:
"We are proud to deepen our decades-long partnership with Emirates, which began with the A300. The A350 represents the next phase of this collaboration, supporting Emirates’ growth and sustainability goals."
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Omar Ali Adib, SVP Customer – Middle East and Africa for Rolls-Royce, remarked:
"This partnership between Emirates, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce exemplifies the power of collaboration. Our commitment to advancing engine durability and performance ensures continued excellence in aviation."
Emirates currently operates two other widebody aircraft types—the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380—serving 140 destinations worldwide. The introduction of the A350 will enable the airline to expand into smaller and mid-sized airports, enhancing connectivity. The A350s will be configured for regional and ultra-long-haul operations.
The first commercial flight of the Emirates A350 is scheduled for January 3, 2025, to Edinburgh. Additional routes will include GCC destinations like Bahrain, Muscat, and Kuwait, as well as European cities such as Lyon and Bologna, and key locations in South Asia. New long-haul routes of up to 15 hours from Dubai will also be unveiled in 2025.
ENHANCEMENTS OF THE NEW AIRCRAFT
Economy Class
The A350 Economy Class seats feature new light blue fabrics with bronze accents and a six-way adjustable headrest debuting in 2025. The A350 galley area is notably spacious, offering Economy Class customers an area to stretch their legs and grab a complimentary snack on long haul flights.
Premium Economy
Award-winning Premium Economy seats provide luxurious comfort with leather reclining seats, in-seat charging points, and premium amenities, including exclusive catering and beverages.
Business Class
Inspired by the Mercedes S-Class, Business Class seats feature a 1-2-1 configuration, lie-flat seating, wireless charging, and advanced lighting controls. Business Class customers will have their own minibar on the Emirates A350, which includes still and sparkling water, and 2 snack packs - one sweet and one savoury, as well as a new snack display area at the back of the cabin, where customers can come and grab fresh fruit, sandwiches and sweet treats anytime they like.
Advanced In-Flight Entertainment
The next-generation ice system offers 4K HDR displays, enhanced live TV, an intuitive interface, and new features like "eye comfort mode" and improved search functionality. Customers will also enjoy handy new features like the ability to skip credits and intros on videos, enhanced live TV, and simplified volume and brightness controls. An improved search function is complemented by iceMoments, a revolutionary way to explore content on ice in a short form video format. Kids will enjoy a new pictorially driven interface, while parents will appreciate the seat side parental controls for family-friendly settings.
Improved Connectivity and Technology
The A350 introduces advanced Wi-Fi via ViaSat’s Global Xpress network, allowing uninterrupted connectivity even over the North Pole.
Sustainable and Quiet Design
The A350 is celebrated for its fuel efficiency and quieter cabins, creating a more peaceful journey.
Cabin Design and Mood Lighting
The interiors feature soothing neutral tones, illuminated Ghaf tree motifs, and customized mood lighting for a relaxing atmosphere.
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