Emirates’ first set of A350 aircraft will enter into service in the latter half 2024, including on select routes to Europe, the carrier announced this week.

The Dubai-based airline expects 10 new Airbus A350 aircraft to join its fleet by March 2025, serving short- and medium-haul routes in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

The aircraft will feature three travel cabins, with 32 seats in business, 21 seats in premium economy and 259 economy seats.

Flights to Bahrain will be the first to be operated by the new aircraft, with a daily service launching on 15 September. This will be followed by daily flights to Kuwait (from 15 September) and Muscat (from 1 December) as well as services to Mumbai, Ahmedabad (from 27 October) and Colombo (from 1 January 2025).

In Europe, the A350 will feature on flights to Lyon and Bologna from 1 December. The carrier also plans to resume flights to Edinburgh from 4 November, which will be operated by the new aircraft.

Emirates deputy president and chief commercial officer, Adnan Kazim, said: “Flying the A350 to nine cities in such a short span of time adds more premium cabin options and choice across geographies for our customers, and ensures we maintain our competitive edge.”

The carrier said more destinations will be announced “in the coming months” as additional A350 aircraft join its fleet. Following this, Emirates added that its premium economy cabin (also featured on A380, B777 and A350 aircraft) will be available on 42 destinations by February 2025.