Emirates’ A350-900 is the first all-new aircraft that has been added to the UAE-based airline’s fleet since 2008 – and I joined its inaugural Edinburgh to Dubai flight on Friday 3 January.
Premium economy seats on board A380 (Photo: Emirates)
My seat was in business. Its features included an adjustable, cushioned headrest, a mini bar (stocked with still and sparkling water, gummy bears and wasabi peas) and a wireless charging plate.
I was impressed by the in-flight dining, too. I’m always a little wary of eating seafood at 30,000 feet, but the lobster tail and Ossetra caviar I was served were perfect. There were a variety of starter and main courses on offer, although a vegan passenger I spoke to had pre-ordered 48 hours in advance via the Emirates app.
I was pleased to be given the option to be woken for breakfast, or left to sleep. In the past, I’ve been shaken awake on a flight, only to be served a meal I wouldn’t have chosen (although, based on my experience of Emirates’ food, I would have enjoyed what was on offer).
The A350 is unlikely to operate from London, as it doesn’t include first-class seatsThe Edinburgh-Dubai route is an interesting choice.
“Since it has no first-class cabin, and the demand [for first-class] is much stronger [from London], using larger aircraft types make more sense [from there].”
Nevertheless, Grant expects the plane to be a success for the airline.
Flights depart Edinburgh at 8.40pm each day and arrive in Dubai at 8.05am local time the following day. The return flight departs Dubai at 2.50 local time, and arrives in Edinburgh at 7.05pm.
What could be improved
Grant says doors “seem a must have for attracting the latest business traveller”.
However, he believes that’s the only niggle Emirates will face on the aircraft.
While the A380 has a dedicated area for passengers to mingle and order drinks from the semi-circular bar, the A350’s “social area” leaves a lot to be desired.
And while the martini I ordered, and took back to my seat, was perfectly mixed, I would have liked to have enjoyed it alongside fellow passegners in a communal space.
I’m also not entirely convinced by the business class seat formation, which is 1-2-1, as on other Emirates services.
Had I been in a bank of two seats in the middle, I would have felt a little more awkward without doors.
Emirates is known for its on-board service (Photo: Emirates)
In economy class, passengers were served a tribute to Scotland’s cuisine, including potato champ salad (mashed potato with herbs) with Scottish smoked salmon and cheddar cheese and oat biscuits.
Business class lie-flat seats
This helped me to fall asleep for a few hours, despite the fact I usually struggle to do so on flights.
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Read MoreThe A350-900 is here to stay
“There shouldn’t be any pitfalls as it’s a brand new aircraft,” says Grant.
Other airlines have, in recent months, been forced to halt entire routes due to a shortage of parts.
The A350 is the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft in service, according to Emirates. The airline also highlights that it has the quietest twin-aisle cabin of any aircraft in service. In practice, this means you’ll only be disturbed by people around you, and not the sound of the engine.
Next year, a slightly more advanced version of this aircraft, the A350-1000, will be delivered to Qantas for its ground-breaking Project Sunrise, which will offer non-stop flights from London to Sydney.
However, the 900 version seems very much here to stay – and a comfortable choice if you’re not concerned with extra privacy on business class seats and spacious social areas.
The look, the space and the lack of engine noise on the Emirates A350-900 puts it among the passenger planes I’ve experienced.
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