Aussie city first to get this Emirates aircraft
An Australian city will be the first in the entire Emirates network to receive this long-range aircraft with premium economy.
Adelaide will be the first gateway globally to receive Emirates’ long-range A350.
The Middle Eastern carrier will begin servicing its long-range aircraft and Premium Economy cabin in the Aussie city at the end of the year, making it the first in the world on the Emirates network to receive the Airbus A350.
Its EK440/441 services currently operate on a Boeing 777-200LR, but it will make the switch on December 1 with the first flight - EK440, departing from Dubai at 2.05am and arriving in Adelaide at 8.05pm. The return flight EK421 will depart Adelaide at 9.50pm and arrive in Dubai at 5.30am the next day.
“Emirates has been an incredible shot in the arm for our State’s economy, both for tourism and trade, so it is wonderful to see the international airline continue to invest in the route by launching the A350 in December,” South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said.
“This investment from an international carrier is an incredible display of confidence in South Australia and its continual growth.”
Daily direct non-stop Emirates flights generate more than $62 million per year in tourism expenditure for South Australia, Ms Bettison said.
“[And now] the flight is even more attractive to potential international visitors thinking about coming here.”
“Our State is the ultimate Australian destination, with our abundance of wildlife, world-class food and beverage, and non-stop major events calendar – now is the time for international visitors to fly direct and discover South Australia.”
The A350 accommodates 298 passengers in 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration and a mini-bar for quick snacks, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 generously pitched Economy Class seats.
It also features wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds with the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed in premium classes, a new touchscreen call bell buttons on ice in-flight entertainment screens and 60-watt USB C charging in every seat, with the ability to pair personal Bluetooth headphones.
The A350 is reportedly the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in commercial service today and also offers the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft.
Meanwhile, Perth will welcome the airline’s latest generation four-class A380, making it the fourth Australian city to offer this enhanced service.
By December 2025, over 5,000 weekly Premium Economy seats will be available between Australia and Dubai.
With these upgrades, all five Australian cities served by Emirates will offer its latest generation aircraft and products: the four-class A380 across four cities, the four-class Boeing 777 from Melbourne, and the A350 from Adelaide.
“By offering the Premium Economy and our next generation aircraft in Perth and Adelaide, this commitment has come full circle, placing Australia at the forefront of Emirates’ US$5 billion aircraft retrofit program,” Barry Brown, Divisional Vice President Australasia at Emirates, said.
“By the end of the year, we will proudly service all five Australian cities in our network with this incredible product across eight daily services.”
This long-haul travel hack makes time fly
Forget movie magic, it’s a gripping show that will make the hours disappear when you're on in the air.
Qantas slashes overseas flights to $499
While winter has come knocking, with temps starting to dip around parts of the country, a new overseas flight sale plans to heat up Aussie travel plans.
Insane runway as planes dodge trains
It’s stressful enough to land a plane without having to dodge a train too, but that is what the pilots have to do at this airport in New Zealand.