Emirates A350 Takes Off on Its Maiden Voyage to Edinburgh

Emirates has marked a significant milestone with the inaugural commercial flight of its first Airbus A350, flying from Dubai to Edinburgh. This latest addition to the Emirates fleet combines next-generation cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort with the outstanding onboard service the airline is renowned for.

A New Era in Air Travel

The Airbus A350, the first of 65 set to join the Emirates fleet, is designed to elevate the passenger experience with the latest in cabin innovation. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the importance of this milestone: “This marks a pivotal moment in Emirates’ journey as we introduce the A350 into service. Our first Airbus A350 making its maiden journey to Edinburgh underscores the strategic importance of the UK within our global network. As we continue to expand our A350 fleet, we’re not just adding new aircraft – we’re setting new standards for global air travel.”

Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer (Aero) at Edinburgh Airport, echoed this sentiment: “Starting the new year with a brand-new aircraft is exactly the way we want to bring in 2025 at Edinburgh Airport. It’s a privilege to welcome the A350 to Scotland and to see Emirates selecting the Edinburgh to Dubai route for its maiden journey.”

Unmatched Passenger Comfort and Innovation

The Emirates A350 offers a host of features designed to maximise passenger comfort. Highlights include:

• A newly designed Economy Class cabin with enhanced comfort.
• Upgraded Business Class and Premium Economy cabins.
• 4K and 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens for the best image quality on any aircraft.
• Extra-high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes.
• Faster Wi-Fi with uninterrupted global connectivity.

As the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in commercial service, the A350 also boasts the quietest twin-aisle cabin. Emirates has configured the A350 to accommodate 312 passengers across three spacious cabin classes, including 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats with generous pitch.

Expanding Horizons

In the coming months, passengers can look forward to experiencing the Emirates A350 on flights to eight additional global destinations: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kuwait, Bahrain, Colombo, Lyon, Muscat, and Bologna.

Strengthening Connections with Scotland

The arrival of the Emirates A350 in Edinburgh follows the resumption of services to Scotland’s capital in November 2024. Emirates operates 14 weekly flights to Scotland, including an A380 service to Glasgow, offering enhanced connectivity to more than 140 destinations across its extensive global network.

Emirates’ A350 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 local time and arrives in Dubai at 08:05 local time the following day.

A Taste of Scotland in the Skies

Business Class passengers on the inaugural A350 flight from Edinburgh to Dubai were treated to a specially curated menu featuring Scottish delicacies such as rich broccoli and Lanark Blue cheese soup, Scottish smoked salmon dome with caviar, tender seared Angus beef fillet from Aberdeen, and Balmoral chicken with traditional tatties and neeps. For dessert, passengers enjoyed a delicious cranachan cheesecake topped with raspberry coulis.

Economy Class passengers were also delighted with a refreshing potato champ salad with Scottish smoked salmon, cheddar cheese with Nairn’s oat biscuits, and Walker’s shortbread biscuits.

The Emirates A350 sets a new benchmark for air travel, combining state-of-the-art technology with exceptional comfort and service. As it takes flight to its first destination, Edinburgh, passengers can look forward to a truly unparalleled travel experience.