Emirates' latest addition to its fleet has touched down in Edinburgh, marking a historic milestone for both the airline and Scotland's capital. Olivia Palamountain reports

Emirates' new Airbus A350 made its maiden commercial flight from Dubai to Edinburgh on January 7, 2025, the first of 65 A350s set to join Emirates' fleet.

Slated has having the quietest twin-aisle cabin in commercial aviation and sporting cinematic 4K ultra-responsive touchscreens, Emirates' latest aircraft raises the bar for luxury travel.

The three-class configuration accommodates 312 passengers, with 32 Mercedes S-Class-inspired Business Class suites, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy seats.Throughout the aircraft are extra-high ceilings, wider aisles and electric window blinds featuring the airline's signature Ghaf tree motif. The aircraft's new-generation antennae system also delivers uninterrupted wifi connectivity across all routes.

On this debut A350 flight, all passengers were given a commemorative certificate. Business Class fliers were treated to a special Scottish-inspired menu featuring local delicacies, including a broccoli and Lanark Blue soup crafted from cheese produced in Lanarkshire; a Scottish smoked salmon dome, paired with caviar, dill, cranberries, and a citrus dressing; tender seared Angus beef fillet from Aberdeen; Balmoral chicken served with traditional tatties and neeps; and a cranachan cheesecake topped with raspberry coulis.

Economy Class passengers also enjoyed a potato champ salad with Scottish smoked salmon, cheddar cheese with Nairn's oat biscuits and Walker’s shortbread biscuits.

"Starting the new year with a brand-new aircraft is exactly the way we want to bring in 2025 at Edinburgh Airport," says Kate Sherry, chief commercial officer at Edinburgh Airport. "It's a privilege to welcome the A350 to Scotland and to see Emirates selecting the Edinburgh to Dubai route for its maiden journey. It's a clear show of confidence in the route and of the importance that Emirates places on a modern aircraft, raising the standards for passenger experience."

The aircraft, which tips the scales at a weight equivalent to 600 Highland cows, has a wingspan stretching 64.75 metres, which would allow it to stand as tall as Edinburgh's iconic Scott Monument if turned on its end.

The daily service can transport 4,368 passengers weekly (enough to accommodate all the performers at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, should they fancy a collective jaunt to Dubai) and for those partial to a tipple at 43,100 feet, the Business Class cabin offers exclusive Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, while Premium Economy passengers can sip on Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

The A350's arrival follows Emirates' resumption of services to Scotland's capital in November 2024, with the airline now operating 14 weekly flights to Scotland, including an A380 service to Glasgow.

The new Dubai-Edinburgh service departs the UAE at 14:50 local time, arriving in Scotland at 19:05, just in time for a nightcap at one of the Royal Mile's historic pubs.