TBM Staff - Mumbai
Emirates has officially announced the initial routes for its new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which is set to enter service in September. By the end of March 2025, Emirates plans to have 10 A350-900s in its fleet, each configured to accommodate 312 passengers across three classes: 32 in Business, 21 in Premium Economy, and 259 in Economy.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates Airline’s Vice President and CCO, emphasised the strategic importance of the A350-900 for the airline. He stated, “The A350 will be a gamechanger for Emirates, enabling us to serve regional points with superior operational efficiency and flexibility in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.” He also highlighted the advanced cabin features, including the highly sought-after Premium Economy class, world-class inflight entertainment technologies, and various customer-friendly services.
Starting September 15th, Emirates’ A350-900s will begin operating on the following routes:
• Bahrain (BAH): 7 weekly flights starting September 15th
• Kuwait City (KWI): 7 weekly flights starting September 16th
• Ahmedabad (AMD): 7 weekly flights starting October 27th
• Mumbai (BOM): 7 weekly flights starting October 27th
• Bahrain (BAH): Increase from 7 to 14 weekly flights starting November 1st
• Edinburgh (EDI): New route with daily flights starting November 4th
• Bologna (BLQ): 7 weekly flights starting December 1st
• Lyon (LYS): 7 weekly flights starting December 1st
• Muscat (MCT): 7 weekly flights starting December 1st
• Colombo (CMB): 7 weekly flights starting January 1st, 2025
Emirates will also resume operations to Edinburgh after a four-year suspension, with the following schedule:
• EK 023: Dubai (DXB) 14:50 – Edinburgh (EDI) 19:05
• EK 024: Edinburgh (EDI) 20:40 – Dubai (DXB) 08:05+1
In addition to Emirates’ announcements, several other notable developments in the African and Middle Eastern aviation markets include:
• Ibom Air is set to add a second Airbus A220-300 to its fleet, with delivery scheduled soon.
• Air Arabia Maroc launched a new route between Morocco and Spain.
• Binani Air added its third Embraer 170 to its fleet.
• Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its domestic network.
• Etihad Airways plans to resume operations between Abu Dhabi and Paris using Airbus A380s.
• FlyJinnah will commence flights to Bahrain from Islamabad.
• flynas is set to inaugurate five new routes within the Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates market.
• Kam Air will operate a new route between Kabul and Dubai via Khost.
• Lufthansa plans operational adjustments in South Africa, including new routes from Munich to Johannesburg and increased frequencies from Munich to Cape Town.
Emirates’ introduction of the A350-900 marks a significant milestone for the airline, promising enhanced passenger experience and operational efficiency. With the addition of new routes and increased frequencies, Emirates continues to strengthen its global presence and competitive edge in the aviation industry.
