Adelaide has marked a historic moment in Australia’s aviation landscape, becoming the first city in Emirates’ global network to welcome the airline’s new ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR. The aircraft began operating daily services on 1 December 2025, replacing the Boeing 777-200LR and elevating the overall product offering on the Dubai–Adelaide route.
With this launch, all five of Emirates’ Australian gateways now feature the airline’s latest-generation aircraft and Premium Economy cabin. Across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and now Adelaide, Emirates operates either its refurbished four-class Airbus A380, the four-class Boeing 777, or the new A350. In total, 56 of the airline’s 70 weekly flights to Australia are now operated by next-generation aircraft, offering more than 5,000 Premium Economy seats every week between Australia and Dubai.
A milestone moment for South Australia
The inaugural A350-900ULR arrival in Adelaide was greeted with a traditional water-cannon salute and attended by South Australia’s Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison, Emirates Divisional Vice President Australasia Barry Brown, and Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox.
Barry Brown called the event “a landmark moment” that reinforces the importance of Adelaide and South Australia within Emirates’ long-haul network.
The new aircraft brings Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy product to Adelaide for the first time, complementing upgraded Business and Economy cabins and significantly enhancing passenger comfort on one of the world’s longest routes.
Minister Bettison noted that the improved onboard experience makes the route even more attractive to international travellers, adding to the more than $62 million generated annually by Emirates-driven tourism in South Australia.
A new long-range capability for Emirates
The aircraft introduced in Adelaide is the first long-range A350 delivered to Emirates—capable of flying up to 15 hours nonstop with a range exceeding 14,000 km. It is the most fuel-efficient widebody aircraft in commercial service today, offering the quietest twin-aisle cabin in its category.
Configured in three classes, the Emirates A350 carries 298 passengers, including:
• 32 next-generation Business Class seats with “S-Lounge” design inspired by Mercedes-Benz
• 28 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout with 40-inch pitch
• 238 Economy seats equipped with new 6-way adjustable headrests
Across all cabins, passengers benefit from the airline’s latest technological upgrades: 4K and 4K HDR screens, Bluetooth headset pairing, USB-C 60W charging, improved live map functionality, wireless charging in Business Class, and new aerBlade electric window blinds in premium cabins.
The aircraft also features high-performance onboard Wi-Fi using ViaSat GX satellites, delivering up to 10 times more available bandwidth.
Premium Economy arrives in Adelaide
The debut of Premium Economy marks one of the most anticipated service upgrades for South Australian travellers. The quiet, spacious cabin is fitted with cream-coloured leather seats, wood-grain accents and dedicated cocktail tables, offering a level of comfort that sits between Business and Economy Class.
Passengers receive welcome drinks in glassware, curated meals served on Royal Doulton china, and an expanded wine list featuring selections from Emirates’ Business Class cellar. Sustainable amenity kits, plush blankets, priority boarding and a generous 35 kg baggage allowance complete the experience.
Boosting trade and cargo connectivity
Each daily flight offers 16 tonnes of cargo capacity, amounting to 224 tonnes of weekly freight between Adelaide and Dubai. The upgraded capability supports key South Australian exports including seafood, chilled meat, produce, pharmaceuticals, wine and premium fashion.
With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the UAE now in force, Emirates SkyCargo is strategically positioned to accelerate two-way trade. The airline’s global network provides rapid access to markets across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia—two-thirds of the world’s population is reachable within an eight-hour radius of Dubai.
Strengthening Emirates’ long-term commitment to Australia
Emirates currently operates 70 weekly flights across Australia and continues to invest heavily in its presence in the region. Recent milestones include:
• The introduction of the retrofitted four-class A380 to Perth
• Major sponsorships across Australian sport and culture, including the Australian Open and Sydney Symphony Orchestra
• The launch of the Force for Good youth tennis program, supporting more than 2,000 disadvantaged children in its first year
With Adelaide now home to Emirates’ newest long-range aircraft, South Australian passengers gain seamless access to more than 40 European destinations via the airline’s Dubai hub, supported by short connection times and a fully integrated premium travel experience.
