Emirates unveils its first Airbus A350, with business class seats inspired by the Mercedes S-class and Wi-Fi that even works over the NORTH POLE

Emirates has unveiled its very first Airbus A350 – the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008.

The A350-900 was inspected by VIP guests, including Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, and His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, at Dubai Airport.

One of the aircraft’s notable features is a new generation of antennas that will “significantly improve onboard connectivity.” Emirates claims that thanks to this technology, a ‘first in aviation history’, customers will enjoy uninterrupted global Wi-Fi coverage in all destinations, including over the North Pole on flights to America.

In addition, Emirates says, enhanced on-board Wireless Access Points (WAPs) will allow “more customers to connect simultaneously, enjoying on average up to ten times the current total aircraft bandwidth.”

The cabins are divided into three classes and can accommodate 312 passengers in 32 ‘next-generation’ business-class reclining seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 21 premium economy seats and 259 ‘generously arranged’ economy-class seats in a 3-3-3 pattern

The business class ‘S Lounge Seats’ are inspired by the Mercedes S Class, ‘for an exceptional travel experience’.

Customers tucked inside can use wireless charging on the side cocktail table and enjoy next-generation 4K touchscreens.

Emirates’ A380 premium economy has been hailed as a world champion – including by MailOnline Travel – so the news that all 65 incoming Emirates A350s will be equipped in this class, in a 2-3-2 configuration, will be widely welcomed.

Emirates has unveiled its very first Airbus A350 – the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, presents the new Emirates A350 to His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy

The A350 business class ‘S Lounge Seats’ are inspired by the Mercedes S-Class, ‘for an exceptional travel experience’

Features include in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen and ‘a generous pillow and blanket’.

Emirates says of the A350 economy class: ‘Similar to the latest Emirates 777 and A380 aircraft, the Emirates A350 economy class seat features a new fabric in an uplifting and elegant light blue colour, with luxurious bronze armrests creating a highly sophisticated look .

“Secondly, Emirates will soon introduce a brand new six-way adjustable headrest for economy class on the A350, designed with customer comfort at heart and giving customers the option to sleep with full neck support.

“This new headrest, expected in early 2025, will significantly improve the customer experience in economy class and eliminate the need for neck pillows.”

The Emirates A350 features 32 reclining business class seats, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration

Customers in Business Class can use wireless charging on the side cocktail table and enjoy next-generation 4K touchscreens

Emirates’ A380 premium economy has been hailed as a world champion – including by MailOnline Travel – so the news that all 65 incoming Emirates A350s will feature in this class (above) will be widely welcomed.

Premium Economy in the A350 is arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration

Emirates says about the A350 economy class: ‘[The] seat has a new fabric in a stimulating and elegant light blue, with luxurious bronze-colored armrests that create a very refined look.

The introduction of the A350 allows Emirates to expand globally to new destinations, including mid-sized airports that cannot accommodate larger aircraft

The introduction of the aircraft will allow Emirates to expand globally to new destinations, including mid-sized airports that cannot accommodate larger aircraft.

The airline noted in a statement that the first scheduled commercial A350 flight will take place on January 3, 2025 to Edinburgh.

The aircraft will also serve Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait, Lyon, Bologna, Colombo, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

The aircraft comes in two versions: one for regional routes and one for ultra-long-haul routes.

Speaking at the unveiling, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone for Emirates as we present our first A350 and usher in a new era for our fleet and network grow.

“This aircraft sets the stage for Emirates to further spread its wings by delivering additional reach, efficiency and flexibility to our network, helping us meet customer demand in new markets and unlock new opportunities in the cities we serve serve.’

The A350 comes in two versions: one for regional routes and one for ultra-long-haul routes. Above you see the A350 economy class