Emirates marks delivery milestone with first Airbus A350

Emirates has unveiled the very first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event in Dubai. The new aircraft takes technology to another level and the addition to the Emirates fleet prepares the airline for growth amid robust travel demand

Marking a first in aviation history, the Emirates A350 will feature powerful next-generation antennas that will significantly improve onboard connectivity and take full advantage of ViaSat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network. Customers will enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity in all destinations, including across the North Pole for flights to America.

The event, led by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, in the presence of Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, was attended by VIP guests, space partners, government officials and dignitaries, members of the media and the aviation enthusiasts.

Guests were able to experience the interior of the aircraft, equipped with the latest generation of products and the latest technologies.

The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 new-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously arranged Economy Class seats.

The latest products on board reflect the airline’s commitment to providing a first-class passenger experience while optimizing operational efficiency. The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join the Emirates fleet since 2008.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group said: “Today marks an exciting milestone for Emirates as we unveil our first A350 and usher in a new era of growing our fleet and network. This aircraft provides the foundation for Emirates to further spread its wings by delivering additional reach, efficiency and flexibility to our network, helping us meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities we serve .

“On board, our updated interiors and seat configurations will help us deliver a better and more comfortable experience for travelers in every class of travel. The 65 Emirates A350s that will join our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s D33 Dubai strategy, which will transform the city into a crucial hub in the global economy through its connectivity and expand reach.”

Phillipe Mhun, Executive Vice President Programs & Services for Airbus said: “We are proud to continue our strategic partnership with Emirates, which blossomed almost four decades ago with the A300, A330, A340 and A380 can expand. We are marking a new chapter for Airbus and expect the A350 to become an integral member of the Emirates fleet and support its continued growth and sustainability ambitions.”

Omar Ali Adib, SVP Customer – Middle East and Africa for Rolls-Royce, said: “The collaboration between Emirates, Airbus and Rolls-Royce is an example of what can be achieved when we share our commitment to excellence and build a long-term partnership build up term. that makes us all stronger. With our £1 billion investment in sustainability across our Trent engine family, we want to continue to evolve and improve over the coming years.”

In addition to the newly delivered A350, Emirates operates two other aircraft types around the world to 140 destinations: the widebody Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic ‘double-decker’ Airbus A380 aircraft. The introduction of the A350 will enable Emirates to expand globally to new destinations, including mid-sized airports that cannot accommodate larger aircraft. The Emirates A350 comes in two versions: one for regional routes and one for ultra-long-haul routes.

With extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes, the Emirates A350 is sleek yet spacious inside. Customer comfort is the top priority and seat configurations offer every traveler more space and privacy.

The Emirates A350 takes technology to another level. Customers can now adjust their electric sun blinds at the touch of a button. The aerBlade double roller blind system will be available in Business and Premium Economy Class offering two shade options, and the aerBlade single roller blind systems will make their debut in Economy Class, with all roller blinds displaying the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed.

Business Class on the Emirates A350 will feature 32 luxury leather lounge seats, inspired by the Mercedes S-class, for an exceptional travel experience.

The A350 aircraft will feature brand new additions such as wireless charging on the side cocktail table in Business Class, and in-seat lighting controls with 5 light streams. The 1-2-1 seating configuration in the A350 Business Class provides a highly personal, exclusive experience.

Customers will enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity in all destinations, including across the North Pole for flights to America. At an investment of over $2 million per aircraft, customers will notice an improved user portal with faster sign-up for new users and faster sign-up for Skywards customers.

The airline plans to make its first commercial scheduled flight with the A350 to Edinburgh on January 3, 2025. In the coming months, customers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 in existing GCC points such as Bahrain, Muscat and Kuwait, Lyon and Bologna in Europe. and Colombo, Mumbai and Ahmedabad in West Asia, in addition to new travel options up to 15 hours away from Dubai – to be announced in 2025.

Celebrated as the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft, the Emirates A350 also offers customers significant noise reduction. Emirates customers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and increased comfort in the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft.