Emirates will introduce its next-generation Airbus A350 on its daily Dubai-Kuala Lumpur service from September 1, giving Malaysian travellers another opportunity to experience the airline’s latest aircraft and Premium Economy cabin.
The A350 will operate as EK344/EK345, joining Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK346/EK347. With both aircraft offering Premium Economy, Emirates will have a total of 52 Premium Economy seats available daily on its Kuala Lumpur services.
The move also comes as Emirates marks 30 years of operations in Malaysia, having launched services to Kuala Lumpur in 1996.
Saeed Mubarak, Emirates Country Manager in Malaysia, said the introduction of the A350 reflects the airline’s continued investment in its products and services in the Malaysian market.
“Following the successful introduction of our retrofitted Boeing 777 with Premium Economy on EK346/347, we’re delighted to bring our new-generation A350 to Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
According to Emirates, customers travelling from Malaysia will now have access to all three of its flagship aircraft types — the Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.
What to expect onboard Emirates’ A350
Emirates’ A350 features 32 Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 Economy Class seats, although the airline noted that aircraft configurations may change due to operational requirements.
Business Class passengers will have access to lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, along with wireless charging.
The aircraft also features electronic window blinds carrying the Emirates Ghaf tree motif, while passengers in the premium cabins can access digital inflight menus through the airline’s ice entertainment system.
The latest-generation ice inflight entertainment system comes with 4K and 4K HDR displays and responsive touchscreens designed to provide an enhanced viewing experience.
Connectivity is also a key feature of the A350, with Wi-Fi powered by ViaSat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network. Emirates said improved wireless access points are designed to provide stronger connectivity throughout the aircraft.
More connectivity from Kuala Lumpur
The introduction of the A350 will also provide passengers travelling from Kuala Lumpur with greater consistency when connecting through Dubai to destinations served by the aircraft.
Emirates said passengers travelling on EK345 from Kuala Lumpur or arriving on EK344 can connect through Dubai to more than 20 destinations served by the A350 across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Americas.
These include destinations such as Istanbul, Lyon and Frankfurt.
Emirates’ Malaysia network
Emirates currently operates 21 weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Dubai.
The airline also has a codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines, connecting passengers to 17 destinations beyond Kuala Lumpur on a single ticket, alongside reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
Its codeshare partnership with Batik Air provides access to five domestic destinations — Penang, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching — as well as three regional Southeast Asian destinations via Kuala Lumpur.
KLIA also holds a special place in Emirates’ A380 history, having become the first airport in Malaysia capable of handling the aircraft. Emirates launched its A380 services to Kuala Lumpur in 2012.
Customers can book Emirates flights through the airline’s official website, mobile app, retail stores, contact centre or travel agents.
Aircraft configuration may change due to operational adjustments.