Emirates Introduces Airbus A350 on Nairobi-Dubai Route

Dubai-based airline Emirates has added its Airbus A350 to the Nairobi-Dubai route, providing its Premium Economy cabin to Kenyan travelers. The aircraft is being used on the morning flights EK717 and EK718, replacing a Boeing 777 on these services. Two other daily flights on the route continue to operate using Boeing 777 aircraft.

Rashid Al Ardha, Emirates' Vice President for Commercial Operations in Sub-Saharan Africa, stated that Kenya remains a priority market in the region. The airline introduced an additional daily flight to accommodate growing passenger numbers and enhance connections through Dubai. Kenya now represents the airline's second-largest African market by capacity after South Africa.

The newly introduced Airbus A350 offers Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, catering to a wider range of passenger preferences and budgets. Demand for Premium Economy has been increasing, particularly for long-haul routes to Europe and the United States. Emirates has been selling Premium Economy tickets to connecting passengers, even when their initial leg was in Economy Class.

Emirates is currently implementing a USD5 billion fleet refurbishment programme targeting over 200 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. The airline aims to have refurbished about 115 aircraft by the end of 2026, although this program has faced supply-chain delays. Although fuel prices remain a challenge, Emirates is managing costs through fuel hedging and other strategies while maintaining competitive fares.