Emirates has officially unveiled the first Airbus A350-900 to join its fleet at an exclusive event showcase in Dubai.
This new aircraft takes aviation technology to the next level and positions the airline for growth amid robust travel demand.
Marking a historic moment in aviation, the Emirates A350 will feature a high-performance, next-generation antenna that significantly enhances inflight connectivity.
The new system will leverage ViaSat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, providing uninterrupted global connectivity across all destinations, including over the North Pole for flights to the Americas.
The event, led by Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark, and attended by His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, included VIP guests, aerospace partners, government officials, dignitaries, members of the media, and aviation enthusiasts.
Guests had the opportunity to explore the aircraft’s interiors, which are equipped with next-generation products and the latest technologies.
The Emirates A350 offers three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers.
This includes 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats.
These advanced onboard products reflect Emirates’ commitment to providing a premium passenger experience while optimizing operational efficiency.
The A350 is the first new aircraft type to join the Emirates fleet since 2008.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, commented on the milestone: “Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth.
This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to expand its reach, offering added range, efficiency, and flexibility, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock opportunities in the cities we serve.
Onboard, our updated interiors and seating configurations will help us deliver a more elevated and comfortable experience for travelers across every cabin class.
The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years are part of our broader plans to support Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which aims to transform the city into a pivotal global hub by expanding connectivity and reach.”
Phillipe Mhun, Executive Vice President of Programmes & Services for Airbus, said: “We are proud to expand our strategic partnership with Emirates, which began nearly four decades ago with the A300, A330, A340, and A380.
The A350 marks a new chapter for Airbus, and we expect it to become an integral member of Emirates’ fleet, supporting its continued growth and sustainability ambitions.”
Omar Ali Adib, Senior Vice President for Rolls-Royce’s Middle East and Africa customer division, added: “The collaboration between Emirates, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce exemplifies what can be achieved when we share a commitment to excellence and build a long-term partnership.
With our £1 billion investment in the durability of our Trent engine family, we remain dedicated to evolving and improving in the years ahead.”
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In addition to the newly delivered A350, Emirates operates a diverse fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic Airbus A380, serving 140 destinations worldwide.
The introduction of the A350 will allow Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports that are unsuited for larger aircraft.
The Emirates A350 will be delivered in two versions: one for regional routes and another for ultra-long-haul flights.
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