Emirates unveils its first Airbus A350, with business-class seats inspired by the Mercedes S Class and Wi-Fi that even works over the NORTH POLE

Emirates has unveiled its first-ever Airbus A350 – the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008.

The A350-900 was inspected by VIP guests including Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, and His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, at Dubai Airport.

One of the noteworthy features of the plane is a new generation of antennae that will ‘significantly improve inflight connectivity’. Emirates claims that thanks to this technology, a ‘first in aviation history’, customers will enjoy uninterrupted global Wi-Fi coverage across all destinations, including over the North Pole for flights going to the Americas.

What’s more, says Emirates, improved Wireless Access Points (WAPs) onboard ‘will mean more customers can connect at the same time with the potential to enjoy up to 10 times the current total aircraft bandwidth on average’.

The cabins are divided into three classes accommodating 312 passengers in 32 ‘next-generation’ business-class lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, 21 premium economy seats and 259 ‘generously pitched’ economy-class seats in a 3-3-3 pattern.

The business class ‘S Lounge Seats’ are inspired by the Mercedes S Class, ‘for an exceptional travel experience’.

Customers ensconced in them can make use of wireless charging on the side cocktail table and enjoy next-generation 4K touchscreens.

Emirates’ A380 premium economy has been hailed as a world-beater – including by MailOnline Travel – and so news that all 65 incoming Emirates A350s will feature this class, in a 2-3-2 configuration, will be widely welcomed.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, showcases the new Emirates A350 to His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy

The A350 business class ‘S Lounge Seats’ are inspired by the Mercedes S Class, ‘for an exceptional travel experience’

Features include in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, ‘a generously sized pillow and blanket’ and – along with premium economy passengers – a 4K 13.3-inch TV screen. 

Emirates unveils its first Airbus A350, with business-class seats inspired by the Mercedes S Class and Wi-Fi that even works over the NORTH POLE

Emirates says of the A350 economy class: ‘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 luxurious bronze-coloured armrests creating a very sophisticated look.

‘Secondly, Emirates will soon introduce a brand new six-way adjustable headrest to economy class on the A350, designed with customer comfort at the forefront and allowing customers the option of sleep with full neck support.

‘Expected in early 2025, this new headrest is set to significantly improve customer experience in economy class and eliminate the need for neck pillows.’

The Emirates A350 has 32 business-class lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration

Customers ensconced in business class can make use of wireless charging on the side cocktail table and enjoy next-generation 4K touchscreens

Emirates’ A380 premium economy has been hailed as a world-beater – including by MailOnline Travel – and so news that all 65 incoming Emirates A350s will feature this class (above) will be widely welcomed

Premium economy in the A350 is arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration

Emirates says of the A350 economy class: ‘[The] seat has a new fabric in an uplifting and elegant light blue, with luxurious bronze-coloured armrests creating a very sophisticated look’

The introduction of the A350 will allow Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports unsuited for larger aircraft

The introduction of the aircraft will allow Emirates to expand into new destinations globally, including mid-sized airports unsuited for larger aircraft.

The airline remarked in a statement that the first scheduled commercial A350 flight will be to Edinburgh on January 3, 2025.

The aircraft will also serve Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait, Lyon, Bologna, Colombo, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The plane will be delivered in two versions – one for regional routes and one for ultra-long-haul routes.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, speaking at the unveiling, said: ‘Today is an exciting milestone for Emirates as we showcase our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network growth. 

‘This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to spread its wings farther by offering added range, efficiency and flexibility to our network, enabling us to meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities that we serve.’

The A350 will be delivered in two versions – one for regional routes and one for ultra-long-haul routes. Above is the A350 economy class