Paris, France — 17 June 2025. Emirates reached a new milestone at the Paris Air Show 2025 with the public debut of its first Airbus A350-900 (registration A6-EXA), the inaugural unit in a 65-aircraft order set to modernise the airline’s long-haul fleet.
Why the A350 Matters to Emirates
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark explained that the fuel-efficient wide-body twin-jet will unlock new, thinner routes while complementing the existing 777 and A380 networks. The carrier expects the jet to enter commercial service in September 2025.
“ The A350-900 will expand our global reach and open city pairs that were previously unviable,” said Clark.
Technical Advancements & Sustainability
- 25 % lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions versus previous-generation aircraft
- Extensive composite fuselage and wings for weight reduction
- Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, renowned for quiet operation
- Certified for 50 % sustainable aviation fuel blending, aligning with Emirates’ 2050 net-zero roadmap
- Full Airbus specifications available at airbus.com.
Cabin Layout & Passenger Experience
- Business: 32 lie-flat seats, direct-aisle access, sliding privacy doors
- Premium Economy*: 24 seats, 40-inch pitch, wider recliner seats
- Economy: 264 seats, 13.3-inch 4K IFE screens, USB-C power
- *Premium Economy will debut from the second delivered aircraft.
- Additional features include higher ceilings, HEPA-filtered air refreshed every 2–3 minutes, panoramic windows, and LED mood lighting to help reduce jet lag.
Strategic Fleet Expansion
With a range of 15,000 km (8,100 nm), the A350-900 enables non-stop links between Dubai and secondary cities in Latin America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Emirates plans to deploy the type on routes such as Dubai–Bogotá and Dubai–Auckland via Perth.
At a Glance: Airbus A350-900
- Length: 66.8 m
- Wingspan: 64.8 m
- Typical seats: 314 (three-class)
- Maximum take-off weight: 280 t
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.85
The arrival of the A350-900 signals Emirates’ drive toward a more sustainable, passenger-centric future. Enthusiasts at Le Bourget can experience the jet first-hand before it enters scheduled service this autumn. Visitors can board A6-EXA at the Airbus static park to preview the signature ice-blue business-class motif and redesigned galley bar. Media tours run 18 to 22 June at 10:00 and 14:00 local time.
