Emirates A350 Delivery: A Missed Opportunity for Innovation?

Emirates’ best-kept secret is finally out: the airline has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900. This is a big deal for Emirates, marking the first new aircraft type to join their fleet since 2018, with 65 A350-900s on order. The inaugural flight is now scheduled for January 3, 2025, from Dubai to Edinburgh.

I’ve been following this story for a while and even booked the original inaugural route to Bahrain. That plan fell apart after delays, and a slew of date changes, but here we are, finally!

When the A350 was announced, I had a small glimmer of hope that Emirates would debut something truly innovative. With so many airlines around the world rolling out next-generation business class seats, I thought this might be the moment Emirates would surprise us. But no, that wasn’t the case.

Business Class: A Familiar Face

At yesterday’s unveiling in Dubai, Emirates showcased its A350 cabins, including the much-anticipated business class. Unfortunately, what we saw wasn’t groundbreaking. Emirates decided to stick with the same seat they’ve been using on the A380 since 2008. Sure, they’ve added modern touches like a 4K monitor, wireless charging, and customisable lighting, but it feels like a design refresh rather than an innovation.

This is disappointing for an airline that has one of the largest R&D budgets in the industry. Emirates seems to have settled on “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but in today’s competitive landscape, that mindset feels dated. Compare their business class offering to Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, and the difference is night and day.

Adding to the frustration is Emirates’ history with its older Boeing 777 business class product, which featured a dreaded 2-3-2 configuration with sloping flatbeds. This layout, which forces the unlucky middle-seat passenger to awkwardly climb over their neighbours to get to the aisle, is something you’d expect on a budget airline, not from one of the world’s most premium carriers. Thankfully, Emirates recently addressed this by introducing a 1-2-1 layout on its refurbished 777s, but it’s a stark reminder of how slow the airline has been to adapt.

Emirates A350 Business Class Highlights

Here’s a quick look at what Emirates A350 business class offers:

• Seat Layout: 32 fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring aisle access for all passengers.
• Design: Leather-clad ‘S Lounge’ seats inspired by the Mercedes S-Class.
• Tech Upgrades: 4K screens, wireless charging pads, and adjustable lighting controls.
• Extras: Individual mini-bars, enhanced storage, and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones.

While these features are solid, they’re hardly revolutionary. Emirates had the chance to lead the industry but chose instead to maintain the status quo.

A Broader Perspective

It’s worth noting that Emirates customers love the airline, not necessarily for its seats, but for its world-class service. The crew is consistently excellent (and fun), and the onboard experience is polished and reliable. If any airline can charge a premium for an uninspired business class seat and still fill flights, it’s Emirates.

Still, I can’t help but wonder what the future holds as more airlines introduce cutting-edge business class products. With deliveries of the A350 stretching out until 2028 (and probably beyond), will Emirates stick with this design for all 65 aircraft? Or will they tweak it mid-delivery to keep up with competitors?

Beyond Business Class

While business class might be underwhelming, the A350’s other cabins do offer something new. Emirates’ popular Premium Economy seats make an appearance, and the Economy cabin features some thoughtful updates.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer:

• Premium Economy: 21 seats in a 2-3-2 layout with spacious reclining leather seats, 13.3-inch screens, and elevated dining options (think Royal Doulton chinaware and Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 sparkling wine).
• Economy: 259 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration with ergonomic designs, 13.5-inch 4K screens, and six-way adjustable headrests. Bulkhead seats offer generous legroom.
• Technology for All Classes: Faster Wi-Fi, 60W USB-C charging ports, and Bluetooth connectivity.

One standout feature is the A350’s quieter cabin. It’s one of the most peaceful flying experiences available today, which will be appreciated by passengers in every class.

Summing Up

The cat is finally out of the bag, and while the Emirates A350 is a welcome addition to the fleet, it’s disappointing that the airline didn’t seize the opportunity to introduce a truly innovative business class seat. Instead, we’re left with a refreshed version of a product that’s been around since 2008.

That said, the A350 itself is an incredible aircraft. Its efficiency, quiet cabin, and modern touches will make it a pleasure to fly, regardless of class. And with Emirates’ consistent service and attention to detail, passengers will still have a great experience.

Looking ahead, I’m curious to see what’s in store for Emirates’ upcoming Boeing 777X. If the "Game Changer" First Class Suite is anything to go by, there’s still hope that Emirates can wow us in the future. Until then, the A350 feels like a step forward for the fleet but not necessarily for innovation.