Emirates A350 conquers Paris
Emirates returned to the Paris Airshow after more than fifteen years of absence, participating in the 55th edition of the world's most important aerospace event , running until June 19 in Le Bourget. The star of the Emirates stand is the all-new Airbus A350, which will be unveiled to the public with its completely redesigned cabins equipped with the latest technology. Visitors can explore the interiors of the three classes (Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class) that redefine the concept of comfort and design in flight.
New features include the new Business Class with 1-2-1 configuration and lie-flat seats, the ample space of Premium Economy and the improved ergonomics of Economy Class. All cabins are equipped with Thales' new AVANT Up entertainment system , with cinematic quality, smart lighting, enhanced Wi-Fi and more space for passengers and luggage, thanks to higher ceilings and wider aisles.
With a weekly schedule of 21 flights between Paris and Dubai (including three daily flights operated by A380), Emirates is a reference point for air connections between France and the Middle East. In addition, there is a daily A380 flight to Nice and a daily A350 connection to Lyon. The airline is currently the only international carrier to operate the A380 at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.
The return to the Paris show is also an opportunity to underline the historic link between Emirates and the French aerospace sector. Since 1985, the airline has invested more than €114 billion in the purchase of 254 Airbus aircraft, including A300, A310, A330, A340, A350 and A380 models. Emirates is also a key customer for a number of French suppliers: Safran, for next-generation cabin components and seats; Michelin, for the supply of tyres; and Thales, for the avionics and in-flight entertainment systems. In 2023, Emirates signed a contract worth more than €1 billion with Safran for new seats for the existing A350s, Boeing 777X-9s and 777-300ERs. A further €322 million has been invested in Thales' new AVANT Up system, which will be installed on board the A350s.
The company contributes more than €189 million annually to the French economy through operating expenses, refuelling, overflight fees, handling, salaries and sponsorships. Emirates SkyCargo also connects Paris and Lyon with Dubai through frequent cargo rotations, supporting French exports: the United Arab Emirates is now France's first trading partner in the Middle East.
French wine excellence also finds its way on board: 58% of the red wines served in First and Business Class come from Bordeaux, confirming the value Emirates places on French savoir-faire.
With 7 Airbus A350s already delivered and 58 more on the way, Emirates plans to deploy this model to 17 destinations by the end of 2025, marking a new era in its commitment to innovation and in-flight comfort. The Paris Airshow thus confirms itself as the ideal stage to present to the world an increasingly refined and sustainable vision of air travel.
