Passengers aboard Flight EK823 from Dubai
to Dammam
, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday were in for a special treat. What is usually a Boeing 777-operated service was swapped for 
Emirates
‘ first-ever Airbus A350-900
, marking a pivotal moment in the airline’s fleet transformation and the expansion of its global network. This flight not only showcased the A350’s cutting-edge technology but also symbolized a significant step in Emirates’ commitment to enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Photo: Emirates
Data on Flightradar24 shows that Emirates’ first Airbus A350, registered as A6-EXA, departed from 
Dubai International Airport
(DXB) at 02:35 local time and arrived at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam at 03:07 local time on Wednesday, marking the first commercial flight for Emirates’ latest aircraft. The return leg, Emirates EK824, took off from Dammam at 04:29 local time and landed back at Dubai International’s Terminal 3 at 06:52 local time, completing the aircraft’s first round-trip service.
An important turning point in Emirates’ continuing fleet modernization effort has been reached with the introduction of the Airbus A350. The new A350 aircraft is expected to be crucial to Emirates’ growth and sustainability initiatives as part of a larger plan to improve passenger experience and operational effectiveness.
A major step forward
Emirates officially took delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft a month ago, marking an important step in the airline’s fleet growth strategy. The delivery underscores the long-standing partnership between Emirates and Airbus, which is built on innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence.
Photo: Airbus
According to the carrier, Emirates has ordered a total of 65 A350-900s as part of its broader plans to support Dubai’s Economic Agenda, which aims to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. The A350 will also play a vital role in establishing the newly announced Dubai World Central (DWC) mega hub, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation leader.
Emirates President Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum emphasized that the A350 represents a new era for the airline, one marked by greater flexibility, operational efficiency, and a premium customer experience. He said in a statement: “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.“
Photo: Emirates
A closer look at Emirates’ A350-900
Emirates’ Airbus A350-900 features a three-class cabin configuration, designed to provide maximum comfort and space for its 312 passengers. This includes 32 lie-flat Business Class seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats. Emirates has equipped the aircraft with the latest technologies, including an advanced inflight entertainment system, enhanced cabin pressure and humidity levels, and energy-efficient engines that reduce fuel consumption and noise levels.
Passenger comfort is at the forefront of Emirates’ A350 offering. According to the carrier, A350 Business Class seats feature luxurious ‘S Lounge’ leather seating inspired by the Mercedes S-Class, offering direct aisle access for all passengers. Premium Economy, which has been a runaway success for Emirates since its introduction in 2022, is featured on all A350s. This class offers passengers a premium experience with spacious seats, generous legroom, and exclusive amenities at an accessible price point.
Related
Cabin Tour: Onboard Emirates’ 1st Airbus A350
Step onboard Emirates’ first new aircraft type since 2008.
New route announced
The Airbus A350 will be deployed on several key routes over the coming months, starting with regular services to Edinburgh
beginning on 3 January 2025. The aircraft’s smaller size compared to the larger A380 means it is ideal for serving mid-sized airports that cannot accommodate larger aircraft, opening up new possibilities for Emirates’ network expansion.
Earlier this year, Emirates had planned its first revenue-generating A350-900 service from Dubai to Bahrain on September 15, 2024, but the flight was postponed as the first delivery of the aircraft occurred in late November 2024. Simple Flying previously reported that other routes served by the A350 include those from Dubai to Bologna, Colombo, Lyon, and more.
