Emirates will deploy its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350, on the Dubai to Nairobi route from 25 October, operating as EK717 and EK718 and making Nairobi the 32nd destination on the airline’s A350 network. The 298-seat, three-cabin aircraft brings Emirates’ Premium Economy product to Kenya for the first time, alongside enhanced Business and Economy cabins. “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya,” said Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ country manager in Kenya. “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. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”

INSIDE THE NEW CABIN

Premium Economy, making its Kenyan debut, offers leather reclining seats with adjustable headrests and extra legroom, in-seat charging, a wood-finished side table, a 13.3-inch television screen and, on the Dubai-Nairobi route among select flights, complimentary amenity kits and a Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 sparkling wine exclusive to Emirates. Business Class is configured 1-2-1 for direct aisle access from every seat, with a fully lie-flat seat in cream leather, a personal minibar and wireless charging, while Economy adopts a new sky blue, bronze and cream colour palette with a 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen and leather headrests.

CONTINUING TO RAISE THE BAR IN KENYA

The A350’s arrival follows the addition of a third daily Dubai-Nairobi flight in July, taking Emirates to 21 flights a week on the route and improving connections to Europe and the United States via Dubai. Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World store, opened in 2024, and Emirates has separately expanded payment flexibility in Kenya through a split-payment partnership with Cellulant, letting customers spread airfare purchases across instalments.