Hangzhou becomes first Chinese city to welcome Emirates Airbus A350
New aircraft brings Premium Economy to Chinese passengers
DUBAI – Emirates has begun operating its Airbus A350 aircraft between Dubai and Hangzhou, marking the first deployment of the airline’s newest aircraft type to the Chinese mainland.
Since launching its daily Dubai–Hangzhou service in July 2025, Emirates has recorded steady passenger demand from the region. The deployment of the A350 on this route is designed to enhance comfort, offer product consistency, and provide travellers with a next-level in-flight experience.
The daily Emirates flight EK310 departs Dubai International Airport at 04:15hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at 16:00hrs. The return flight, EK311, leaves Hangzhou at 00:10hrs and lands in Dubai at 06:10hrs. All times are local.
Expanding Chinese network
Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (Far East), Orhan Abbas, said the airline’s expansion in East Asia continues to gather pace, with Hangzhou and Shenzhen now serving as new gateways for Emirates in China. He added that Hangzhou’s fast-growing economy, global outlook, and its proximity to major cities such as Jinhua, Shaoxing, Ningbo and Taizhou make it one of China’s most dynamic aviation markets.
“The deployment of the Airbus A350 on the Hangzhou route reflects Emirates’ efforts to align with evolving travel trends in the Chinese market and further deepen its presence,” Abbas said.
Strategic hub in eastern China
Adam Li, Vice President China of Emirates Airline, highlighted that since the launch of the Dubai–Hangzhou route on 30 July, strong demand has been seen from Hangzhou and the wider Zhejiang region. He noted that Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, with its modern infrastructure and efficient facilities, has become a vital gateway for the airline’s expanding presence in the Chinese mainland.
“The airport’s location and robust regional economy offer unparalleled advantages for connecting the Yangtze River Delta with global markets,” Li said. “We’re proud to make Hangzhou the first Chinese city to receive our new Airbus A350 aircraft.”
Premium onboard experience
The Airbus A350 is the first new aircraft type to join Emirates’ fleet since 2008, complementing its Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft already serving China. The A350 features Emirates’ latest-generation cabin design, offering higher ceilings, wider aisles, and an airier atmosphere. Smart lighting, improved sound insulation, and advanced air filtration contribute to a comfortable travel environment.
A key highlight of the new aircraft is the introduction of Emirates’ Premium Economy Class for Chinese passengers. This cabin offers reclining leather seats with full leg and foot support, adjustable headrests, built-in charging ports, and side cocktail tables. Travellers can enjoy a 13.3-inch HD personal screen, access to over 6,500 entertainment channels, and extra comfort with plush pillows and blankets.
The A350 accommodates 312 passengers in a three-class layout – 32 next-generation Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 21 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout, and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.
Passengers can book tickets through Emirates’ official website, mobile app, or via travel agents. Emirates also offers convenient payment options through WeChat Pay and Alipay, ensuring ease of access for travellers from mainland China.