Emirates will introduce its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350, on flights between Dubai and Nairobi starting 25 October, making the Kenyan capital the 32nd destination on the aircraft's growing network, the Dubai-based carrier announced.

The A350 will operate on flights EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates' latest-generation cabin to travellers on the route, according to a statement issued by the airline. The aircraft will be the first to bring Emirates' Premium Economy cabin to Kenya, alongside enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins.

Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya, said the arrival of the A350 marks "an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya," adding that the airline was pleased to bring its latest aircraft and onboard experience to customers in the market, with more comfort, choice, and thoughtful touches in every cabin. He said the aircraft gives customers on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover while building on the experience they already know from Emirates.

Cabin details

The A350 carries 298 passengers across the three cabins. Business Class is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access, with fully lie-flat seats wrapped in cream leather, a personal minibar and wireless charging, plus a self-service snack area at the rear of the cabin.

The Premium Economy cabin, making its debut in the Kenyan market, features leather reclining seats with a generous pitch, adjustable headrests, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side table, and a 13.3-inch television screen. Select flights, including the Dubai-Nairobi route, will offer complimentary amenity kits and a sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, that Emirates said is exclusive to the airline.

Economy Class has been redesigned with a sky blue, bronze, and cream colour palette and lighter wood finishings, along with an upgraded inflight entertainment system on a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen and a larger seat pitch.

Part of wider expansion in Kenya

The A350 deployment follows the addition of a third daily Dubai-Nairobi flight in July, bringing the route to 21 flights a week and giving passengers more connections to Europe and the United States via Dubai. Nairobi is also home to Africa's first Emirates World store, which opened in 2024, and the airline this year partnered with Kenyan payments firm Cellulant to offer a split-payment option allowing travellers to spread ticket costs across instalments.

Emirates said tickets are available through its website, app, travel agents, and the Emirates World Store in Nairobi, and that tickets booked after 10 August come with flexible date-change and refund terms.

Source: PR