Emirates Unveils A350 at 2025 Paris Airshow After Hiatus
After a 15-year break, Emirates Airline made a highly anticipated return to the International Paris Airshow in 2025. Participating in the 55th edition of this globally recognized aerospace exhibition, Emirates unveiled its Airbus A350 to the public, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in passenger experience. The A350, part of Emirates’ long-term fleet strategy, features next-generation cabin design, advanced technologies, and new class configurations that reflect the evolving expectations of international air travel.
Reimagining Comfort with Emirates’ New Cabin Experience
Visitors at the Paris Airshow were offered an immersive experience of Emirates’ revamped Business Class and Premium Economy cabins. The aircraft’s three-class configuration includes 32 Business Class lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 Premium Economy seats designed for comfort and space, and 259 Economy Class seats with generous pitch and wider aisles. With features like cinematic in-flight entertainment, high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic seat design, and enhanced cabin lighting, the airline’s new A350 represents a leap forward in passenger comfort across all travel classes.
The interior design focuses on creating a more refined travel atmosphere. Wider aisles, extra high ceilings, and better storage options cater to both leisure and business travelers. Emirates’ signature attention to detail is evident in the mood lighting, improved seat comfort, and quiet cabin design, all aimed at offering a superior inflight experience.
Strategic Importance of the Paris Airshow for Emirates
Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, emphasized the importance of participating in the Paris Airshow, calling it “one of the most important platforms in the aerospace exhibition calendar.” He noted that the airline’s return signifies more than just a showcase of hardware—it underscores Emirates’ commitment to France’s aviation ecosystem through operational ties, technological partnerships, and strategic investments.
Emirates currently operates 21 weekly flights to Paris, including three daily A380 flights, alongside a daily A380 to Nice and a daily A350 service to Lyon. Notably, Emirates remains the only international airline flying the A380 to Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, reaffirming its strong presence in France’s aviation market.
Longstanding Commitment to France’s Aerospace Industry
Emirates has played a pivotal role in the development of France’s aerospace sector. Over three decades, the airline has invested more than €114 billion (US$130 billion) in Airbus aircraft, contributing to the procurement of A300s, A310s, A330s, A340s, A380s, and now the A350s. These purchases have supported thousands of jobs across French companies like Airbus, Safran, and Thales, as well as within the broader aerospace value chain.
Beyond aircraft acquisitions, Emirates is a vital customer for French suppliers. The airline sources Michelin tyres, Safran components and seats, and Thales avionics systems for its global operations. In 2023, Emirates signed contracts worth over €1 billion (US$1.14 billion) with Safran for next-generation seating for its Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9, and Boeing 777-300ER fleets. Emirates also invested over €322 million (US$367.5 million) in Thales’ AVANT Up system to upgrade its A350 in-flight entertainment offerings.
A Broader Economic Impact on France
Emirates’ presence in France extends beyond aviation. The airline directly contributes over €189 million (US$215 million) annually to the French economy through expenditures such as overflight charges, aircraft handling fees, crew layovers, salaries, catering, fuel uplift, and sponsorships. These operational expenses help support local businesses and create jobs, further embedding Emirates into the fabric of France’s commercial landscape.
In the culinary domain, France stands out as Emirates’ leading global source market for wine procurement. A remarkable 58% of the red wine served in Emirates’ First and Business Class cabins originates from the Bordeaux region, showcasing the airline’s dedication to offering premium French products onboard.
A350: A New Era for Emirates’ Fleet Development
The Emirates A350 displayed at the airshow symbolizes the airline’s forward-looking strategy. With seven A350 aircraft already in its fleet, Emirates is on track to deploy the aircraft across 17 global destinations by the end of the year. The carrier has ordered 58 more units to join its expanding fleet in the coming years.
This fleet expansion is part of Emirates’ broader efforts to modernize its services, reduce environmental impact, and optimize route efficiency. The A350, known for its fuel efficiency and operational performance, is expected to contribute significantly to the airline’s sustainability and performance goals.
Fly Better Experience on Display at Paris Airshow
At the 2025 Paris Airshow, the Emirates A350’s “fly better” experience attracted attention from industry stakeholders and the general public. The cabin design, with its focus on comfort, space, and technology, offered a glimpse into the future of long-haul air travel. Features such as faster onboard connectivity, immersive entertainment, and thoughtfully designed seating reflected Emirates’ commitment to evolving passenger expectations.
The Business Class suite with direct aisle access, the quiet Premium Economy zone, and the more spacious Economy Class cabin were all meticulously presented to demonstrate the airline’s effort to deliver a consistent, high-quality travel experience.
Strengthening Global Connectivity through Advanced Aircraft
With the A350 joining its fleet, Emirates is reinforcing its position as a global connector. The aircraft’s range and performance make it ideal for long-haul destinations, enabling the airline to reach new markets and enhance frequencies on popular routes. As Emirates continues to diversify its fleet, the A350 plays a central role in offering more connectivity while adhering to international environmental standards.
This expansion also aligns with the airline’s operational philosophy: to match the right aircraft to the right market, thereby optimizing efficiency and passenger comfort. The addition of the A350 allows Emirates to respond with agility to changing travel demands and route economics.
Emirates’ Future in the Sky Takes Flight Again
Emirates’ return to the Paris Airshow with the A350 signifies more than a re-entry to the exhibition stage—it represents a renewal of purpose and an ambitious step into the future of aviation. The showcase of the A350 underscores the airline’s ongoing mission to innovate, invest, and elevate the flying experience across the globe.
With strategic partnerships in France, a growing network of destinations, and a fleet that reflects both tradition and innovation, Emirates is poised to maintain its leadership in global aviation. The debut of the A350 in Paris serves as a powerful symbol of this commitment, illustrating how thoughtful design, advanced engineering, and international collaboration can redefine the journey for travelers worldwide.
