Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has visited Dubai International Airport to inspect Emirates’ newest addition to its fleet, the Airbus A350.
Accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group; and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the aircraft’s innovative elements, eco-friendly design, and state-of-the-art onboard products.
The Emirates A350, designed to focus on sustainability and passenger comfort, boasts advanced materials incorporating 70 percent of its airframe, including 53% composites, guaranteeing reduced fuel consumption and a lighter carbon footprint. The aircraft adopts 312 passengers across three cabin classes: 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats with enhanced comfort.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed discussed the airline’s fleet development strategy and future investments to enhance the customer journey. Sheikh Mohammed commended Emirates’ leadership under H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, underlining its achievements in redefining passenger service and safety standards. Sheikh Mohammed remarked that, “Emirates’ expanding fleet recalls its ability to sustain leadership in global aviation, strengthening Dubai’s position as a pivotal hub uniting communities and fostering global growth.”
The airline’s latest advancements align with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, aiming to raise its economic footprint to over 400 cities. Emirates’ growing network, reinforced by aircraft like the A350, will boost market access and cement Dubai’s role as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment.
As the cornerstone of Dubai’s aviation sector, the Emirates Group contributes $20.41 billion (AED 75 billion) to the emirate’s GDP, equivalent to 15%, while supporting over 114,000 jobs. Aviation remains crucial to Dubai’s ambition of evolving into a global destination for commerce and innovation.
Introducing the Airbus A350 reaffirms Emirates’ and Dubai’s commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the global aviation industry.