Dubai: Emirates has celebrated a major milestone as its first Airbus A350 entered commercial service, operating its maiden flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. The new aircraft, scheduled to deliver next-generation passenger comfort and enhanced onboard services, marks the beginning of Emirates’ expansion plans to incorporate 65 A350s into its fleet over the coming years.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, called the moment a pivotal step in the airline’s journey. Adnan Kazim emphasized the significance of the inaugural flight to Edinburgh, highlighting the importance of the UK within the airline’s global network. Kazim highlighted that the A350 offers cutting-edge inflight products and sets new standards for passenger experience across all cabin classes.
The Emirates A350 presents a range of modern features, including redesigned Economy Class seats, elevated Business and Premium Economy cabins, ultra-responsive 4K HDR touchscreens, wider aisles, extra-high ceilings, and uninterrupted global Wi-Fi. The aircraft is also the most fuel-efficient widebody in commercial service and delivers the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft. It is configured to house 312 passengers across three spacious cabin classes, including 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats.
Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer at Edinburgh Airport, expressed her excitement over welcoming the A350 to Scotland. Kate Sherry noted that Emirates’ decision to pick Edinburgh for the aircraft’s maiden flight demonstrated the airline’s confidence in the route and its commitment to raising the bar for passenger experience.
The arrival of the A350 in Edinburgh follows Emirates’ resumption of services to Scotland’s capital in November 2024. The airline now serves 14 weekly flights to Scotland, including an A380 service to Glasgow, providing enhanced connectivity to over 140 destinations across its extensive global network. The A350 is set to suit additional destinations in the coming months, including Mumbai, Lyon, Muscat, and Colombo.
Flight EK23 departs Dubai at 14:50 local time and arrives in Edinburgh at 19:05 local time. The return flight, EK24, departs Edinburgh at 20:40 and lands in Dubai at 08:05 the following day.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to a taste of Scotland onboard. Business Class customers enjoyed dishes such as broccoli and Lanark Blue cheese soup, Scottish smoked salmon paired with caviar, seared Angus beef fillet, and Balmoral chicken with tatties and neeps, followed by cranachan cheesecake. Economy Class passengers also enjoyed a Scottish-inspired menu, including smoked salmon with potato champ salad, cheddar cheese served with oat biscuits, and Walkers’ shortbread.