Emirates Takes Delivery Of New A350

Emirates has taken delivery of another Airbus A350-900, registered as A6-EXD, as part of fleet renewal efforts.

After taking delivery of its first A350-900 on significant delays towards the backend of 2024, the airline was formally able to enter the plane into service in the first few days of the 2025 calendar year.

A6-EXD is the A350-900 being delivered. It has a test registration of F-WZHH and flew between Toulouse, Airbus’ home city, and Dubai on the delivery flight.

The A350 Debut

Emirates launched long-haul commercial services with its newly delivered Airbus A350 on 3 January 2025, almost three weeks ago, with service to Edinburgh (EDI).

The service launch was momentous, considering the lengthy time Emirates had waited for the aircraft. Initialy forecating was meant to see the A350 debut towards the mid-way point of 2024, however, delays meant this wasn’t possible.

The aircraft operated on EK23, departing at 1526, just 36 minutes after the scheduled departure time of 1450. It touched down in Edinburgh 13 minutes later than expected, at 1918.

While delivery occurred towards the backend of 2024, the airline had to familiarise itself with the new aircraft, which meant regular flying between Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).

Crew familiarisation is typical for new aircraft entrees into an airline’s operation to get familiar with what a new piece of technology will offer, and short-haul flights are the best way to get a sample size before they’re deployed on long-distance operations.

Key Emirates A350 Facts

Emirates has 65 A350s on order; however, the airline does not rule out a further top-up purchase at some point as it looks to bolster its fleet and solidify its future position as a leader.

The Dubai-based carrier has long seen the arrival of the A350s as occurring in batches, with the first ten units acting as the first batch and the remaining units arriving later.

Moreover, in late 2023, the airline committed to additional aircraft aligning with its strategy to continue elevating the fleet and determining whether further units are required of a new type; this was seen with the A380 many years ago.

At least ten planes are expected to be configured to seat 312 passengers with a layout across three separate cabin classes. The remaining aircraft have not publicly confirmed their configurations.

Emirates says there’ll be room for 32 in business class. The seats can convert into fully flat beds with a 1-2-1 configuration, enabling direct aisle access for every seat across all eight rows.

Meanwhile, at the back of the cabin, there will also be 21 premium economy seats and room for 259 passengers in a more standard. Still, the carrier describes it as comfortable economy class.