Emirates brings A350 to Australia
The new jet delivers a welcome upgrade for travel to Dubai and beyond.
By David Flynn, June 6 2025
Emirates is bringing its latest Mercedes-inspired Airbus A350 business class to Australia, along with highly-regarded premium economy seats, as the airline upgrades the Adelaide-Dubai flights to the modern jet from 1 December 2025.
And by any measure, this represents a significant upgrade from today’s Boeing 777.
Even before taking into account the superior business class and introduction of premium economy, the A350 offers a much better experience for every passenger.
This is due to lower cabin noise levels and the ability to take the edge off jet lag thanks to advances such as lower effective cabin altitude to reduce in-flight fatigue, and increased humidity to stop your skin from drying out.
The A350 also sports electric window blinds which can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, with a dual-blind system in business class and premium economy offering two shaded options.
In bringing the A350 to Adelaide, Emirates is seeking to level up against Gulf rival Qatar Airways, which also flies non-stop from the City of Churches to its Doha hub.
Emirates is also describing this particular jet as its first long-range A350 and more specifically as an ultra-long range A350-900ULR – the same model flown by Singapore Airlines, which is fitted with an additional fuel tank to deliver globe-striding range.
“Adelaide will become the first city in Emirates network to receive the long-range A350,” the airline states.
“The Emirates Airbus A350-900ULR has a non-stop flight capability of over 15 hours, with a range exceeding 14,000km.”
This is at odds with earlier reports that this “long-range A350” was not significantly different to the airline’s other A350s, except for the addition of a dedicated crew rest area and a slight reduction in the number of premium economy and economy seats.
Emirates A350 business class
Business class passengers will find the older 2-2-2 seats replaced by a 1-2-1 layout featuring what Emirates calls its ‘S Lounge’ business class, “inspired by the Mercedes S Class for an exceptional travel experience.”
This is a refreshed version of the Gulf carrier’s A380 business class which winds back the bling, leaning into a softer, warmer palette - although the lustrous brass-gold and faux wood will remain subject to individual taste.
Emirates' 'S Lounge' A350 business class.
The wide seat is complemented by an oversized table for dining and working, and when sleep calls, the seat reclines to a fully-flat 78" (2 metre) bed.
The 23” 4K HD video screen supports Bluetooth audio streaming to a passenger’s own headphones or earbuds, while the AC, USB-A and USB-C power sockets plus wireless charging keeps your tech charged up en route.
Emirates' 'S Lounge' A350 business class.
Emirates is also following the same trend as several other A350 airlines in removing the central overhead luggage bins from the business class cabin to emphasise the A350’s room-like space – thankfully, the oversized bins above the windows have ample room for everyone’s bags.
Emirates' 'S Lounge' A350 business class.
Finally, a self-serve snack bar at the rear of the business class cabin will be stocked with fresh fruit, sandwiches and sweet treats.
Emirates A350 premium economy
Premium economy is another win for long-haul flyers, with comfortable 19.5”-wide recliners in their own cabin.
Emirates' A350 premium economy.
Each premium economy seat features a six-way adjustable headrest, calf-rest and footrest, with an 8” recline, plus a 13.3” 4K display with Bluetooth audio streaming, USB-A and USB-C power outlets (the later rated at a laptop-friendly 60 watts) and shared AC sockets.
Emirates' A350 premium economy.
There’s also fast free WiFi available for all members of Emirates’ Skywards loyalty program, beginning with unlimited chat and messaging; this is boosted to full Internet access for Skywards Gold and Silver members business class, or Skywards Platinum members in any cabin class.
But no, that perk doesn’t extend to Qantas Frequent Flyers (despite the partnership between Emirates and Qantas), and even in business class you’ll still have to be a Skywards member.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 266
I’d love to know why Adelaide?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Aug 2017
Total posts 120
It’s a smaller aircraft. Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne get the bigger A38s & 77W.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 472
I find I prefer the more immediate access to overhead bin space with the centre bins retained. I don’t see that that spaciousness is evident once you are in your seat and doing anything other than gazing at the ceiling! I guess there is a capital cost and weight benefit to the airline.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 229
Totally valid point and I agree. I appreciate having immediate access to an overhead bin (if seated in the middle) as opposed to empty space overhead which is of no 'use' to anybody. The only extra space I appreciate is around me, not above me. Also, I've flown on MH which has the same setup. I can tell you on my last flight from London ALL the bin space was used, even though the business cabin was not full! Now imagine the problem that would have created if the cabin was fully occupied..
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
Adelaide makes sense as it's not big enough of a destination to warrant an A380, or even the (when will it come) upgrade 777.
There's probably just enough premium traffic out of Adelaide to make this viable - enough mining, gas execs jetting around the world that means an A350 stops that traffic bleeding to Perth or Melbourne.
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