Emirates, which describes itself as the world’s largest international airline, is deploying the A350 to Durban from 1 March 2027 on its daily EK775/776 service, expanding the rollout of Premium Economy to all South African gateways, the airline said in Durban on 29 October 2026. Beyond introducing the airline’s newest cabin to Durban, the A350 brings Emirates’ latest inflight experience to the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Emirates first launched Premium Economy in both Cape Town and Johannesburg in September 2025 and, over the last 12 months, has seen consistently high demand for the cabin, driven equally by both leisure and corporate travellers. A significant percentage of travel in and out of Durban consists of visiting friends and family internationally, with passengers connecting via Dubai into key destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, India, France and the UK. Passengers will now be able to enjoy their entire long-haul journey to all these destinations in Premium Economy.

“We look forward to welcoming travellers from Durban onboard the A350 in the new year, where they can experience elevated onboard amenities and Emirates’ signature service that make this aircraft a passenger favourite. The deployment also reflects our broader commitment to South Africa, with all our gateways now offering the latest inflight experience. South Africa remains an anchor of our African network, with some of the busiest gateways globally, and we are committed to continually enhancing the travel experience for our customers by providing them with more choice, connectivity and comfort,” said Afzal Parambil, Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Emirates.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE A350

As the newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet of all widebody aircraft, the A350 is equipped with the latest technology, enhanced entertainment options and an all-new cabin design focused on providing more space and comfort while travelling.

The highlight is Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy cabin, which the airline likens to a Business Class experience on other carriers, with its soft, cream leather seats offering generous legroom and recline, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table and a 13.3-inch personal entertainment screen. Laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration, Premium Economy is designed for comfortable long-haul family travel or solo travellers seeking extra space. Premium Economy passengers also enjoy a dedicated check-in counter and priority boarding at King Shaka International Airport, a generous check-in baggage allowance of 35kg and a further 10kg of carry-on baggage.

Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout, providing every passenger with direct aisle access and a spacious, private environment to work or relax in. The fully lie-flat seat is wrapped in soft cream leather and features a personal minibar and wireless charging. At the back of the cabin is a snack display area allowing passengers to help themselves to refreshments throughout the flight.

Economy Class features an airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, complemented by lighter-toned wood finishings. The high, sweeping ceilings of the aircraft create a sense of space, while the ambient lighting helps passengers relax into the journey.

Every screen on the aircraft features Emirates’ upgraded ice inflight entertainment system. With improved navigation, controls and search, the system offers more than 6,500 channels of content including podcasts, movies, TV series, music and digital newspapers, and passengers can pair their Bluetooth headphones with the A350 to use their own device while tuned into ice. Customers can also enjoy gourmet, regionally-inspired menus prepared by Emirates’ chefs, accompanied by a curated selection of premium beverages, including Journey’s End Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2025, produced by a family-owned estate near Stellenbosch, South Africa, in Economy Class, and Vilafonté Series C 2016, one of South Africa’s highly regarded fine wines, in First Class.

Note: For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked via the Emirates app, Emirates retail stores, the Emirates contact centre, or through travel agents.