Emirates remains silent on its A350 business class

Following the disappointing announcement of Emirates’ “next-generation” Boeing 777 business class, the Gulf carrier is playing it safe when it comes to its upcoming Airbus A350 business class.

Bottom line: High expectations for Emirates’ new Boeing 777 Business Class have been dashed with the debut of an upgrade that some premium carriers have described as “delayed but disappointing”.

Yes, the old 2-3-2 layout and the hated middle seat have given way to the more common 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access for every passenger – but as our report details, what Emirates has been touting as its ‘next-generation’ business class looks more like last generation a headquarters that makes some concessions to modernity.

However, there is a lack of privacy, especially in the aisle seats, and there is a lack of storage space around the seats for personal items.

While Emirates’ latest 777 Business Class is a big step up from its predecessor, it does little to close the gap with best-in-class competitors such as Qatar Airways.

What does this mean for Emirates’ A350 Business Class?

The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim told media on the sidelines of the IATA conference in Dubai that Emirates is working to standardise its business class by introducing a 1-2-1 layout across its fleet ahead of the introduction of the 777-9 (scheduled for 2026).

Emirates also confirmed that French international aerospace company Safran will supply new business class seats for its Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft under a $1 billion programme.

The Safran is located behind Emirates’ premium economy class seats, while a heavily modified version of the original Safran SkyLounge serves as business class on Emirates’ A380.

This has raised hopes that Emirates’ new 777 business class will be shared between upgraded 777s and 777-9 deliveries, and will also come from Safran’s published portfolio of business class seats.

Of particular note is the Unity platform, with forward-facing seats surrounded by high walls and sliding doors “to provide best-in-class comfort (and) privacy.”

Qantas has already chosen Unity for its Airbus A350 business class, which will be available on non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York from late 2026. Air India has also chosen Safran’s Unity for its revolutionary international business class.

Will the new business class on Emirates’ Airbus A350 be the same as that on its refurbished Boeing 777, or does the airline have something completely different and unique in store?

An Emirates spokesperson says: Travelers in management positions The airline is not releasing any further information about its A350 aircraft at this stage – response, could it can be perceived both ways.

All we know for now is that the first Emirates A350 is set to be delivered in October 2024, after being pushed back from August/September, Emirates COO Adel Al Redha told Khaleej Times from the UAE. Edinburgh is still set to launch the A350 from November 4.

Five A350s are expected to be in hangars in Dubai by the end of this year, with 50 aircraft expected to be delivered by the end of 2027.

Emirates A350 Seat Map

Emirates has confirmed the following seat layout for its A350 aircraft:

• 32 flat-bed business class seats (in eight rows 1-2-1)
• 21 premium economy class seats with reclining function
• 259 “generously spaced” economy class seats

There will be no first class on Emirates’ A350s, with the best private cabins remaining the preserve of its larger A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

And judging by earlier comments from Emirates CEO Sir Tim Clark, the A350 power even include a small “social area” for business class passengers.

“The community areas have become something of a hallmark for us,” Clark said earlier Travelers in management positions.

While it’s certainly not as big or fancy as the iconic Airbus A380 bar and lounge, “we’re trying to continue what we’ve always done, albeit with less floor space (compared to the A380). But there will be something… a kind of social space where people can meet up and buy whatever they want to eat or drink.”

Free WiFi on Emirates A350

In a further first, all Emirates A350 aircraft will be able to enjoy fast and free WiFi thanks to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band satellite network.

Billed as “the world’s first and only globally accessible broadband network,” the network will provide every user with high-speed Internet access.

All Emirates Skywards members will receive complimentary access to text messaging apps (such as WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WeChat) for the duration of their flight.

Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members travelling in Business Class will enjoy full, unlimited internet access, as will Skywards Platinum members travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class.