Karachi: Emirates has introduced its first Airbus A350-900 during an exclusive event in Dubai.
The showcase, hosted by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, alongside His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, welcomed VIP attendees, industry partners, government representatives, media personnel, and aviation enthusiasts. Guests explored the aircraft’s advanced interiors, featuring state-of-the-art products and cutting-edge technology.
The Emirates A350 offers three cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers, including 32 lie-flat Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats with ample space. This new aircraft reflects Emirates’ dedication to delivering a premium travel experience while improving efficiency. Notably, the A350 is the first new model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, expressed excitement about this milestone, highlighting the aircraft’s extended range and operational flexibility. “The A350 will enable Emirates to expand into new markets, supporting Dubai’s D33 Strategy to establish the city as a major global economic hub,” he noted.
Phillipe Mhun, EVP Programmes & Services for Airbus, emphasized the longstanding collaboration with Emirates, which began with aircraft such as the A300 and A380. “The A350 marks a significant addition to Emirates’ fleet and aligns with its growth and sustainability goals,” he stated.
Rolls-Royce SVP Omar Ali Adib praised the partnership, underscoring the durability investments in the Trent engine family that powers the A350.
In addition to its A350, Emirates operates Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s across 140 destinations. The A350 will allow access to new airports unsuitable for larger planes. Two A350 variants will cater to regional and ultra-long-haul routes.
The inaugural A350 commercial flight is scheduled for Edinburgh on January 3, 2025, followed by destinations like Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait, Lyon, Bologna, Colombo, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad. New routes up to 15 hours from Dubai are expected to be announced later in 2025.
