Photo Report: Inside the New Emirates Airbus A350

Sam Chui·November 28, 2024

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Emirates unveiled the first Airbus A350 to join its fleet at an exclusive event in Dubai. Join me onboard the brand-new aircraft.

a man and woman standing in front of a large banner

a man in a suit standing in front of an airplane

Emirates new A350-900 will feature three cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers (32 Business, 21 Premium Economy and 259 Economy seats).

The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008. The latest onboard products reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering a premium passenger experience while optimizing operational efficiency.

Emirates A350 Business Class

Business Class on the Emirates A350 will feature 32 leather ‘S Lounge seats’, inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience. While not revolutionary in design, the Business Class on Emirates A350 retains consistency with the Business Class seat found on the A380 and refurbished B777.

The A350 aircraft will feature brand new additions of wireless charging on the side cocktail table in Business Class, and in-seat lighting controls with 5 streams of light.

a plane with rows of seats — Emirates A350 Business Class cabin

a row of seats in an airplane — Emirates A350 Business Class cabin

a woman in a white scarf and red hat standing in a row of seats — Emirates A350 Business Class cabin

Business Class offers high-speed Wi-Fi, 4k IFE, and electric window blinds featuring Ghaf trees (A tree found in the Emirates).

a man in a white robe and headdress sitting in a chair — Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operation Officer of Emirates

The Emirates A350 will feature the latest sophisticated and luxurious design by Emirates, including key motifs like the illuminated Ghaf Tree – the symbolic tree of the UAE.

a table with food and a tree — A mini bar spread available at the end of the business-class cabin

a woman standing behind a counter with food and drinks

Emirates A350 Premium Economy

All 65 incoming Emirates A350s will feature Premium Economy Class, making luxury travel more accessible to a wider audience. The PEY Class came in 2-3-2 seating arrangements with a total of 21 seats in 3 rows.

Premium Economy offers a travel experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats with full leg and footrests and adjustable headrests.

a group of people in an airplane — Emirates A350 Premium Economy

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Emirates A350 Economy Class

Economy Class customers will notice two distinct improvements to their seats on the Emirates A350.

Firstly, similar to the newest Emirates 777 and A380 aircraft, the Emirates A350 Economy Class seat has a new fabric in an uplifting and elegant light blue, with bronze-coloured armrests creating a sophisticated look.

Secondly, Emirates will introduce a brand new 6-way adjustable headrest to Economy Class on the A350, allowing customers the option of sleep with full neck support. Expected in early 2025, this new headrest is set to improve customer experience in Economy Class and eliminate the need for neck pillows.

a group of women in an airplane — Emirates A350 Economy Class cabin

Electric Blinds in All Classes

Customers can now adjust their electric window blinds at the touch of a button. The aerBlade dual blind system will feature in Business and Premium Economy Class offering two shaded options, and the aerBlade single blind systems will make a debut in Economy Class, with all blinds showing the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed.

Customers will also enjoy new touchscreen call bell buttons for cabin crew service, on the ice inflight entertainment screens. Other features include the ability to instantly view your inflight menu on your screen, digital newspapers and magazines from around the world, 5 aircraft camera views and improved inflight live map experience, and 60-watt USB C charging in every seat, with the ability to pair two Bluetooth connections for personal headphones.

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

The 65 Emirates A350s joining our fleet in the coming years fit into the airline’s broader plans to support our visionary leadership’s Dubai’s D33 Strategy, which will transform the city into a pivotal hub in the global economy by expanding its connectivity and reach.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group

During the delivery ceremony, I interviewed Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. He spoke passionately in my video on why Emirates ordered the A350, the possibility of ordering A350-1000 and why there is no First Class in A350.