Emirates has unveiled the first destinations to be served by its A350 aircraft, which will begin operations in September 2024. The airline expects to add 10 new A350 aircraft to its fleet by March 2025, and these aircraft will be deployed on short and medium-haul routes within the Emirates network. The new aircraft will offer a premium experience with 32 next-generation Business Class, 21 Premium Economy, and 259 comfortable Economy Class seats.
The first A350 aircraft will begin operations with flights to Bahrain, marking the start of a network expansion that includes other key destinations in the Middle East, West Asia, and Europe. These aircraft will serve regional routes and enhance Emirates’ connectivity to cities within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, as well as destinations in Western Asia and Europe.
Key Destinations for A350 Operations
- Middle East & GCC:
- Bahrain: First daily flight from September 15, 2024, with EK839/840.
- Kuwait: Daily A350 flight starting September 16, 2024, with EK853/854.
- Muscat: Daily A350 flight from December 1, 2024, with EK866/867.
- West Asia:
- Mumbai: Starting October 27, 2024, with EK502/503.
- Ahmedabad: Daily A350 flight from October 27, 2024, with EK538/539.
- Colombo: Fourth daily flight starting January 1, 2025, with EK654/655.
- Europe:
- Lyon: Daily service starting December 1, 2024, with A350.
- Bologna: A350 flights starting December 1, 2024.
- Edinburgh: Reintroduced with A350 flights starting November 4, 2024.
Comfort and Technology of the A350
Passengers flying on the A350 will experience the aircraft’s high-ceilinged, spacious, and quiet cabins, as well as customized ambient lighting designed to reduce fatigue and jet lag. The A350 is designed with cutting-edge technology, including advanced in-flight entertainment and passenger-friendly features.
Adnan Kazim, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates, highlighted the significance of the A350, stating, “The A350 will change the game for Emirates, providing us with operational efficiency and flexibility, especially on regional routes across the Middle East, GCC, West Asia, and Europe. With its next-generation cabins, including Premium Economy and Business Class, we are ensuring that our passengers continue to enjoy the best possible experience.”
Emirates has placed an order for 65 A350-900 aircraft, supporting its future growth plans and contributing to Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which aims to add 400 new cities to Dubai’s global trade network over the next decade.
As Emirates continues to expand its fleet, more destinations and flight details will be announced in the coming months.