Emirates has introduced its Airbus A350 on the Dubai–Nairobi route, bringing a new generation of aircraft technology, redesigned passenger cabins and its Premium Economy product to Kenya for the first time.
The aircraft, which operates flights EK717 and EK718 between Dubai and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), accommodates 298 passengers across Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.
Its arrival marks an important addition to Emirates’ Kenyan operations, but what exactly makes the Airbus A350 different, and what can passengers expect when flying on the aircraft?
Here are 10 key features of the Emirates Airbus A350:
The Emirates A350 features three passenger cabins: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. Its 298-seat configuration provides travellers with different levels of comfort and service, including the introduction of Premium Economy on the Nairobi route.
One of the biggest highlights for Kenyan travellers is Premium Economy. The cabin features leather reclining seats, adjustable headrests, additional legroom, leg and footrests, in-seat charging and 13.3-inch entertainment screens.
Passengers also receive enhanced onboard amenities, including larger pillows and blankets and complimentary amenity kits on selected routes, including Nairobi.
Business Class with direct aisle access
Business Class is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct access to the aisle. The seats convert into fully lie-flat beds and feature personal minibars and wireless charging facilities.
Economy Class features a redesigned interior with sky-blue, bronze and cream finishes. Passengers benefit from adjustable leather headrests, generous seat pitch and individual entertainment screens.
The aircraft features Emirates’ upgraded in-flight entertainment system. Economy passengers have 13.3-inch adjustable 4K screens, providing access to a wide selection of entertainment content.
Passengers can charge compatible electronic devices using 60-watt USB-C charging points available throughout all three cabin classes.
The entertainment system supports Bluetooth headphone pairing, allowing passengers to connect their personal wireless headphones.
The A350 features Emirates’ aerBlade electronic window blinds. Passengers can adjust the blinds at the touch of a button, with the Ghaf tree motif appearing when they are closed.
The onboard entertainment system includes five external aircraft camera views, allowing passengers to follow different perspectives of the aircraft during their journey.
The Airbus A350 uses advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials and next-generation engines. The aircraft family is designed to deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft.
For Nairobi, the introduction of the A350 follows Emirates’ addition of a third daily Dubai flight in July, bringing its operations at JKIA to 21 flights per week.
The aircraft’s arrival was marked by an unveiling and tour attended by Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Moses Wekesa, UAE Ambassador to Kenya Salim Al Naqbi, and Emirates representatives Rashid Alardha and Christophe Leloup.
With its combination of redesigned cabins, passenger technology and additional travel options, the Emirates A350 brings a new onboard experience to the Dubai–Nairobi route.
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