Emirates has officially unveiled its first Airbus A350-900 which will join its fleet at an event showcase in Dubai today.
The Emirates A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008, the airlines said in a release.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Apart from the A350-900, Emirates operates two other aircraft types — the wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft and the iconic ‘double-decker’ Airbus A380 aircraft — to render its global network of 140 destinations.
The airline plans to make its first scheduled commercial A350 flight to Edinburgh on 3 January 2025.
Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airlines; and Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of economy attended the unveiling ceremony among many others.
During the ceremony, guests were able to experience the aircraft’s interiors, equipped with its next-generation products and latest technologies.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airlines and Group said, “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.”
The Emirates A350 features three spacious cabin classes, accommodating 312 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats.
In addition, the new aircraft will offer extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes.
The Emirates A350 takes technology to another level. Customers can now adjust their electric window blinds at the touch of a button. Customers will also enjoy new touchscreen call bell buttons for cabin crew service on “ice inflight entertainment screens”. Customers will now see the inflight menu instantly on-screen, digital newspapers and magazines from around the world among many others services.