Dubai-based Emirates is in advanced talks to place an order for at least 30 Airbus A350-1000. This order, if it proceeds, could see a massive shift in the carrier’s long-haul fleet strategy, given the airline has previously been highly critical of the aircraft’s engines manufactured by Rolls-Royce. The order could be finalized at the Dubai Airshow 2025, which is scheduled for between November 17-21.

Not only has Emirates been critical of Rolls-Royce engines, but other airlines in the region, such as Qatar Airways, which also raised issues with the engine turbines, and have been pushing Rolls-Royce to improve their perceived performance and reliability.

Diversifying The EK Fleet

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Such a move to order the Airbus A350-1000 would mark a monumental shift in the carrier’s widebody fleet. Currently, the airline operates an extensive network of international operations from its home at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and has been a long-time fan of the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 777 (of which it is the world’s largest operator of both families of aircraft). The airline has invested heavily in a fleet renewal program, which includes orders for the Boeing 787, 777X, and A350 (albeit so far just the A350-900).

Currently, the Airbus A350-900 is already in operation for the carrier, with nine destinations served from its hub at DXB. These aircraft, which operate to destinations such as Amman, Jordan, and Lyon, France, have three cabin types on board, including Business, Premium, and Economy class. The aircraft are fitted with advanced inflight 4K touch-screen entertainment screens.

Simple Flying reached out to Emirates for comment on the proposed order; however, the airline did not immediately respond by the time this article was published.

The Airbus A350-1000

Credit: Airbus

The A350 is a widebody airliner designed and developed by Airbus. The initial concept was introduced as a competitor to the widely popular Boeing 787. The A350 took its first test flights in June 2013, with its EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification in September 2014, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in November that year.

Developed to carry between 300 and 350 passengers in a standard configuration, the plane is built from carbon fiber-reinforced polymers. It has a type rating with the A330, making it an easy switch for airlines and pilots that already operate the other Airbus widebody.

The first of the A350 variants, the A350-900, took flight with Qatar Airways, based in Doha, in January 2015, and was the launch customer of the A350-1000 as well on February 24, 2018. Other airlines that operate the A350 include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and soon-to-be Qantas Airways (which is relying on the aircraft to be part of its Project Sunrise initiative).

Fleet Developments At Emirates

Credit: Emirates

According to ch-aviation, the Emirates fleet is currently made up of 258 Boeing and Airbus widebody aircraft. Uniquely operating only widebody planes, the airline has revolutionized how people travel through the Middle East alongside its counterparts Etihad and Qatar Airways. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest international airports by number of flights and passengers served in the world, and provides simple one-stop itineraries for those looking to travel between North and South America, Africa, Oceania, and Asia.

Currently, EK has 13 of the A350-900 in operation with two differing configurations: one designed for ultra-long-haul flying, and the other for regional operations. Another 52 of the type are on order. Supporting these aircraft, including 116 Airbus A380-800, with eight differing configurations depending on the route served, and the Boeing 777-200LR and 777-300ER. A full list of the aircraft on order and in operation for Emirates is below:

Historically, Emirates has also operated the Airbus A300B4-200, A300-600R, A310-300, A310-300F, A330-200, A340-300, A340-500, and Boeing 727-200 Advanced, 737-300, 747-400F, 777-200, 777-200ER, and 777-300.