EDINBURGH — Emirates’ (EK) first-ever Airbus A350 arrived at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on January 3, 2025, marking its first commercial service from Dubai International Airport (DXB). The brand-new aircraft, which features the airline’s new-generation cabin, operated the inaugural flight EK23 and arrived with a warm welcome from the airport. 

Emirates invited Airways to celebrate this milestone at an exclusive media event at EDI on February 5, 2025. This exciting opportunity offered a special cabin tour inside the latest Emirates A350, showcasing its next-generation cabin design and latest innovations. Multiple airlines and airport executives attended the event to mark this pivotal moment for the airline.

The third-newest aircraft to join EK's expanding A350 fleet, registered A6-EXD, touched down on EDI's runway 24 at an impressive twenty-six minutes ahead of schedule in typical British weather.

As the A350 taxied the final few meters to its gate, the crisp winter sunlight appeared from behind the clouds to brilliantly light up the aircraft. 

Celebrating Emirates' A350 in Edinburgh

Thierry Aucoc, Emirates' SVP of Commercial Operations, was onboard flight EK23 from Dubai. EK colleagues and EDI officials greeted him shortly after his arrival, and he then opened a series of speeches at the media event. 

Aucoc began by mentioning the airline's fleet history up until today:

“Emirates was known to have very few aircraft types during the past 10-15 years. We were flying with the [Boeing] 777 and [Airbus] A380, and the smallest aircraft was the [Boeing] 777 with 365 seats, so you can imagine that it was already a reasonable size. With the A350, we will go on a smaller version with 312 seats.”

 It was also the SVP’s first time flying onboard the Emirates A350. He said, “I was impressed by these new aircraft, these new configurations, and the incredible leather seats. You have the impression to be on a Mercedes.”

Aucoc added that the carrier will continue to have an active program of A350 aircraft deliveries through March 2026. The airline’s commitment to sustainability was clear from its investments in modern and efficient aircraft, and the SVP closed by saying, “New aircraft, quiet look and feel, fuel efficiency [which is] extremely important because we know in the coming years, this will be the focus.”

The Agricultural and Connectivity Minister of the Scottish Government, Jim Fairlie, followed on:

“The UAE is a top contributor to Scotland; they’re in our top 20 global export markets, and we have a wonderful relationship with the UAE. Food and drink is a big export from Scotland, and I hope we can develop that relationship as we move forward.”

Finally, the CEO of Edinburgh Airport, Gordon Dewar, commented, “You can imagine our excitement for being able to welcome [Emirates] for the connectivity and a huge new network of opportunities to Dubai, which we are delighted to have back.”

The event continued with an exchange of gifts from the airport to the airline: an EK Airbus A350 scale model and a model of  EDI's Air Traffic Control Tower.

Inside the Next-generation Emirates A350

Emirates was ready to welcome us on board its newest A350 and allow our team to experience the latest product in its growing portfolio.

The aircraft features three next-generation cabin classes: 32 Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats, accommodating 312 passengers. 

Stepping inside the A350 revealed the airline’s elegant interior, which features bronze and gold tones throughout the cabin, representing the Emirates brand. Customers can expect a modern and sleek feel when flying with EK, signifying the airline’s focus on luxury travel for an upgraded experience.

The beautifully curated Ghaf Tree, featured throughout the aircraft interior, is the symbolic tree of the UAE, another luxurious design by the airline. 

New technology includes 60-watt USB-C charging in each seat, headphone pairing via Bluetooth, and faster, high-performing WiFi. Customers can enjoy global connectivity, including over the North Pole, thanks to ViaSat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network.

Electric window blinds have been introduced to the A350, controlled at the touch of a button, with a dual blind system in Business and Premium Economy Class and a single-blind system in Economy.

The upgraded in-flight entertainment system enhances the customer experience. It has the best picture quality on any aircraft, with a stunning 4K resolution. Passengers can access an enormous media selection, up to three times the current content capacity, and an improved search function allows them to explore various content. Children can watch live TV and enjoy a friendly interface.

Other interesting features passengers can access on the ice system include viewing the inflight menu, accessing digital newspapers and magazines from around the world, viewing the aircraft from five cameras, and experiencing an improved live flight map experience. 

Business Class 

The new Business Class features 32 lie-flat seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, allowing passengers to travel comfortably, with each seat having the latest innovations and technology. The Mercedes S-Class inspires the soft cream leather seats to provide a feeling of luxury and exclusivity. 

Wireless charging pads, multiple charging points, and in-seat lighting controls are examples of the airline’s technological enhancements on the A350. All are incorporated into the seat to elevate one’s travel experience.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the cabin is the 20-inch 4K HDR ice touchscreens with cinematic quality inflight entertainment. 

Customers can expect premium dining from regionally inspired cuisine and the world’s best drinks section in the sky, including the exclusive Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.

Passengers also have a personal minibar, and a new snack area at the rear of the cabin allows them to grab a range of sweet and savory treats anytime in flight. 

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Premium Economy

Emirates’ new Premium Economy seats passengers in a 2-3-2 configuration. Despite the smaller cabin, the spacious leather seats have a deep recline with entire legs, footrests, and adjustable headrests.

This offers the opportunity to travel in luxury, which is more accessible to customers who enjoy an outstanding product. Like the business class cabin, seat features include multiple charging points, a side table, and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen. 

The award-winning catering onboard features generous meals made with seasonal ingredients, and the globally exclusive sparkling wine - Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 can be enjoyed alongside.

Ultimately, the premium economy cabin provides an exclusive and intimate feel for customers, which all 65 A350 aircraft will feature with a maximum of 28 seats.

Economy

Economy Class accommodates 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, and customers will notice a new and improved experience. The seats' elegant blue and cream tones are made of the latest fabric, creating a sophisticated and premium look.

Featured on the seat is an adjustable headrest, allowing sleep with full neck support and a generous recline to help relax in comfort. Each seat also features the 13.3-inch 4K ice inflight entertainment system.

High and sweeping ceilings are designed for spaciousness, and mood lighting helps create a relaxing ambiance. Various nutritious chef-crafted meals are served in Economy, and customers can also expect complimentary snacks on long-haul flights in the galley area.

Interview with Thierry Aucoc, SVP Commercial Operations 

Airways had a brief moment with the SVP of Commercial Operations during the static tour, who kindly took the time to answer a few of our burning questions:

AB: What has been the passenger feedback so far on the A350?

TA: “We started at the beginning of January, so it’s a one-month experience, but the first return from the clients was very positive, in three classes. We started Premium Economy one month ago, so it’s still a new concept. The first month of operation [into Edinburgh] showed a seat factor close to 80%. There are more passengers from Edinburgh to Dubai than from Dubai to Edinburgh, but it’s normal. It is extremely successful from Edinburgh to Dubai.”

When will the first ultra-long haul A350 be deployed?

“The aircraft is the same. The only difference is the cabin. It won’t be available immediately, as it depends on engineering and will take a long time before the aircraft is delivered. We will need them as we will go to very long-haul destinations.”

Which destinations will Emirates fly to with Premium Economy?

“It will be used to fly to many destinations. This a concept where a person flying [a long flight] in economy would like to have more comfort,t and they come to Premium Economy. The cabin is wide and clean, [has] different food and nice screens, and is very successful. I oversee Europe and the Americas; the seat factor is 75-80%. While it is not an old product, it is quite recent, so this type of service convinces people.”

Emirates' A350 Destinations

Emirates is stepping towards a sustainable and innovative future, providing passengers with ultimate luxury and comfort onboard the efficient A350.

In the coming years, Airbus will deliver 65 A350s to the UAE flag carrier, significantly expanding its fleet of modern aircraft.

Over the next few months, customers can experience the EK A350 on flights to more destinations, such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kuwait, Bahrain, Colombo, Lyon, Muscat, and Bologna.

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