Emirates returns to at Paris Airshow with A350 after 15-year hiatus
France remains a strategic market for the UAE airline’s long-term aviation investments
DUBAI: Emirates has made a strong comeback at the 55th International Paris Airshow, marking its return after more than 15 years.
Taking place at Le Bourget in France, the airline is exhibiting its latest fleet member – the Airbus A350 – complete with next-generation cabin designs, modern interiors, and advanced technologies.
What’s at display?
Visitors to the event can tour the A350’s reimagined cabins, including Emirates’ upgraded Business Class with 1-2-1 seat configuration, a refined Premium Economy section, and spacious Economy Class seating. The display highlights the airline’s focus on comfort, space, and technology, featuring extra high ceilings, wider aisles, faster Wi-Fi, and cinematic in-flight entertainment.
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, noted that participating in France's most prominent aerospace event underscores the airline’s ongoing support for the country's aviation sector. “We’re pleased to be at the Paris Airshow, showcasing the very best of air travel on one of the most important platforms in the aerospace exhibition calendar,” he said.
Emirates in France
Emirates currently operates 21 weekly flights to Paris, including three daily A380 services, a daily A350 flight to Lyon, and a daily A380 service to Nice – where it remains the only international carrier flying the A380.
The airline’s impact on the French aviation ecosystem spans more than three decades. Emirates has invested over €114 billion (US$130 billion) since 1985 to purchase 254 Airbus aircraft, significantly supporting employment across key aerospace suppliers such as Airbus, Safran, Thales, and Michelin.
In 2023, Emirates signed multiple contracts with Safran valued at more than €1.0 billion (US$1.14 billion), including a €896 million (US$1.0 billion) deal for new-generation seating for its Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9, and existing Boeing 777-300ER fleets. The airline also allocated over €322 million (US$367.5 million) for Thales’ AVANT Up in-flight entertainment systems for its A350 aircraft.
What else is Emirates showcasing?
Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo plays a crucial role in France’s logistics sector, offering regular cargo capacity between Dubai World Central (DWC), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Lyon Saint-Exupery airports. The UAE remains France’s top export partner in the Middle East.
The airline also makes a significant financial contribution to the French economy, with over €189 million (US$215 million) spent annually on operational expenditures. These include fuel, overflight charges, airport handling, crew layovers, advertising, and staff costs.
France continues to be Emirates’ leading global market for wine procurement. Notably, 58% of the red wines served in the airline’s First and Business Class cabins are sourced from Bordeaux.
What’s next for the A350?
The A350 on display at Le Bourget is configured with 32 Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 Economy Class seats. Emirates’ newest aircraft delivers a refined ‘fly better’ experience with improved lighting, ergonomics, and storage in all classes.
Emirates has already welcomed 7 Airbus A350s to its fleet. By the end of this year, the aircraft is expected to serve 17 global destinations. An additional 58 units are set to join the airline’s expanding fleet in the coming years.