His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited Dubai International Airport to inspect Emirates’ latest addition to its fleet, the Airbus A350-900, according to the Dubai Media Office. He was accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council.
The A350-900 marks the first new aircraft model to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008. Emirates took delivery of the jet in Toulouse, with plans to integrate it into its operations as part of a larger order of 65 A350 aircraft to be delivered in the coming years. After arriving in Dubai, the aircraft was moved to the Emirates Engineering Centre for final preparations. Its first commercial flight is scheduled to Edinburgh on January 3, 2025, with plans to expand services to eight additional destinations in the Middle East, GCC, West Asia, and Europe by the end of the year.
During the visit, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum briefed Sheikh Mohammed on Emirates’ A350 network expansion plans and how the new aircraft aligns with the airline’s fleet growth strategy. Discussions also covered Emirates’ ongoing investments to enhance the customer experience and maintain its leadership in aviation excellence.
The A350’s eco-friendly design, which includes an innovative structure reducing fuel consumption and lowering its carbon footprint, was a key highlight of the briefing. Approximately 70% of the aircraft’s airframe is constructed using advanced materials, including 53% composites, making it lighter and more durable than earlier designs.
Sheikh Mohammed commended Emirates’ efforts to remain at the forefront of passenger service, comfort, and safety. He also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing global competitiveness in air travel and aviation, underscoring the sector’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy and its role in achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
As Dubai aims to extend its economic influence to over 400 cities, Emirates’ expanding global network, supported by aircraft like the A350, is set to enable access to previously untapped markets. The airline plays a pivotal role in Dubai’s ambition to position itself as a leading hub for tourism, commerce, and investment.
Emirates plans to receive eight A350s by the end of its financial year (April 1 to March 31). The airline has invested $48 million in training equipment and systems to prepare pilots and cabin crew for the new model. Currently, 30 pilots and 820 cabin crew members have completed training, with over 50 pilots expected to finish their sessions on full-flight simulators by the end of November.
