Emirates is set to introduce its Airbus A350 on flights between Dubai and Nairobi from October 25, bringing the airline’s latest-generation aircraft and cabin products to the Kenyan market.
The A350 will operate Emirates flights EK717 and EK718, marking the first time the airline’s newest aircraft type will serve Nairobi. The deployment will also introduce Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin to passengers travelling to and from Kenya.
The A350 is configured to carry 298 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Its arrival forms part of Emirates’ broader efforts to upgrade its product offering in Kenya, following the introduction of a third daily Dubai-Nairobi service in July, taking the route to 21 flights a week.
Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya, said the A350 would give passengers travelling on the route access to a new cabin experience while building on the airline’s existing services in the market.
“The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya,” Leloup said. “We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin.”
The introduction of Premium Economy is likely to be one of the most notable changes for passengers. The cabin features leather reclining seats with adjustable headrests, increased legroom, individual charging points and 13.3-inch entertainment screens. Passengers will also receive larger pillows and blankets, while amenity kits will be available on selected services, including the Dubai-Nairobi route.
The cabin also features wood-finished side cocktail tables and Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 sparkling wine.
Emirates’ A350 Business Class is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The fully lie-flat seats feature personal minibars and wireless charging, while a dedicated snack area at the rear of the cabin provides passengers with refreshments during the flight.
In Economy, the aircraft features redesigned interiors and 13.3-inch 4K screens equipped with Emirates’ latest ice inflight entertainment system. The seats also include leather headrests and additional space designed to improve passenger comfort on longer journeys.
The A350 deployment adds to a series of changes to Emirates’ offering in Kenya. Nairobi became home to the airline’s first Emirates World store in Africa when the facility opened in 2024, giving customers access to its products and services through a dedicated retail and customer experience space.
The airline has also introduced a split-payment option in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, allowing customers to combine multiple payment methods when purchasing tickets.
With the additional flight frequency and the introduction of the A350, Emirates is increasing both capacity and product choice on one of its key East African routes. The 21-weekly services also provide passengers travelling from Nairobi with connections through Dubai to destinations across Europe and the United States.
Tickets for the A350 service are available through Emirates’ website and app, travel agents and the Emirates World store in Nairobi.
