Emirates launches first Airbus A350 on new Dubai-Edinburgh route
Next-gen travel redefined with innovation and comfort in the skies
DUBAI: Emirates has achieved a historic milestone as its first Airbus A350 aircraft entered commercial service, taking off from Dubai and landing in Edinburgh yesterday.
This launch underscores the airline's commitment to innovation, passenger comfort, and enhancing its global network.
The state-of-the-art A350, the first of 65 to join Emirates' fleet over the coming years, brings next-generation cabin design, superior comfort, and exceptional onboard service to passengers.
Emirates A350 makes its grand debut
Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the airline's excitement over the launch. “This marks a pivotal moment in Emirates' journey as we introduce the A350 into service,” he said.
“Our first Airbus A350 making its maiden journey to Edinburgh underscores the strategic importance of the UK within our global network. The Emirates A350 offers the best of our latest inflight products, with new features and enhancements in every cabin."
Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer (Aero) at Edinburgh Airport, echoed this sentiment. "Starting the new year with a brand-new aircraft is exactly the way we want to bring in 2025 at Edinburgh Airport. It’s a privilege to welcome the A350 to Scotland and to see Emirates selecting the Edinburgh to Dubai route for its maiden journey."
Cutting-edge features
The Emirates A350 is a showcase of technological and design excellence.
Highlights include:
- Enhanced Cabin Comfort: Redesigned Economy Class seats, upgraded Business and Premium Economy cabins.
- State-of-the-art Entertainment: 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens delivering the best image quality on any aircraft.
- Spacious Interiors: Extra-high ceilings and wider aisles for all passengers.
- Seamless Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi with uninterrupted global coverage.
The A350 is the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in service today and boasts the quietest twin-aisle cabin. Emirates' configuration accommodates 312 passengers, with 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats.
New routes
Edinburgh marks just the beginning for the Emirates A350, with plans to introduce the aircraft on eight more routes, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kuwait, Bahrain, Colombo, Lyon, Muscat, and Bologna in the coming months.
Emirates resumed services to Edinburgh in November 2024, offering 14 weekly flights to Scotland, including an A380 service to Glasgow. The Edinburgh-Dubai route connects Scottish travellers to over 140 destinations worldwide.
Celebrating Scotland in the Skies
Passengers on the inaugural A350 flight experienced a special menu celebrating Scotland’s culinary heritage.
Business Class passengers enjoyed delicacies like Lanark Blue cheese soup, Aberdeen Angus beef fillet, Balmoral chicken, and cranachan cheesecake.
Economy Class passengers were treated to a refreshing potato champ salad with Scottish smoked salmon, cheddar cheese, and traditional Walker’s shortbread.
Flight schedule
The A350 flight EK23 departs Dubai daily at 14:50hrs, arriving in Edinburgh at 19:05hrs. The return flight EK24 departs Edinburgh at 20:40hrs, landing in Dubai at 08:05hrs the following day.
Booking
Tickets are available on the official website, the Emirates App, and through travel agents or Emirates retail stores.