Dubai ruler tours Emirates’ first Airbus A350 (PICS & VIDEO)
Sheikh Mohammed reviews the eco-friendly flagship of Dubai’s aviation future
DUBAI: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made an official visit to Dubai International Airport this week to review Emirates’ newest addition to its fleet – the Airbus A350.
The first Airbus A350-900, delivered from Toulouse on November 25, is a milestone for Emirates as it marks the airline's entry into a new generation of aircraft.
The jet has already completed its maiden flight to Dubai and was subsequently moved to the Emirates Engineering Centre for final adjustments.
This aircraft, which will launch commercial service on January 3, will serve Edinburgh, and expand its network to multiple cities in the Middle East, GCC, West Asia, and Europe by the end of 2025.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied by other high-ranking officials, including Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.
During the inspection, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the A350’s advanced design and technology.
.@HHShkMohd visits #Dubai International Airport to review @Emirates’ latest addition to its fleet, the Airbus A350. pic.twitter.com/Ihb8JIdSW3
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 27, 2024
The A350: Emirates’ Flagship Aircraft
Eco-Friendly and Innovative Design
The A350 is designed with sustainability in mind, using cutting-edge materials that contribute to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The aircraft's structure incorporates 70% advanced materials, including 53% composites, making it lighter and more durable than previous models. This is part of Emirates' ongoing efforts to reduce the aviation sector's environmental footprint.
New Cabin Class and Capacity
The A350 features three cabin classes, designed to offer a luxurious flying experience. It accommodates 312 passengers, including 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats. This state-of-the-art configuration promises to elevate passenger comfort and redefine the flying experience.
Emirates’ fleet expansion
Sheikh Mohammed commended Emirates’ leadership under Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed and highlighted the airline’s consistent excellence in service, comfort, and safety. He also reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing global competitiveness in air travel, positioning Emirates as a critical player in the aviation industry.
The Dubai Ruler also emphasised that aviation remains essential to Dubai’s broader economic vision, contributing AED 75 billion to Dubai's GDP, or 15 percent, and supporting 114,000 jobs. Emirates’ fleet expansion, including the A350, aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to expand the city’s global presence. Emirates’ growth will provide critical access to markets, promoting Dubai as a hub for business, tourism, and investments.
Emirates has already invested around $48 million in training systems for its new fleet of A350s. This includes the installation of three full-flight simulators that replicate the A350’s flight deck, providing highly realistic training experiences for pilots and cabin crew. To date, 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew members have been trained, ensuring the airline’s staff are fully equipped for the new aircraft model.