The appearance marks a triumphant return to Le Bourget.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has returned to the Paris Airshow for the first time in over a decade and a half, unveiling its state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft to global industry leaders and aviation enthusiasts gathered at the 55th edition of the International Paris Airshow.
The airline serves Paris with 21 weekly flights from Dubai, including A380 flights.
This long-anticipated return to one of the aerospace industry’s most prestigious events marks a significant moment for the Dubai-based carrier, as it showcases its latest advancements in cabin design, technology, and passenger comfort. The Emirates A350, the centrepiece of the airline’s Paris display, offers a full tour of its meticulously appointed Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class cabins, each of which is designed to reflect the carrier’s commitment to excellence in long-haul travel.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, commented: “We are pleased to return to the Paris Airshow, a forum that continues to set the standard for global aerospace innovation. Our presence underscores Emirates’ long-standing support of France’s aviation sector, not only through our scheduled operations but through sustained investment in the country’s wider aerospace ecosystem.”
Visitors to the show experienced the airline’s upgraded Business Class and Premium Economy Cabins.
Emirates maintains a robust presence in France, with 21 weekly flights to Paris, including three daily A380 services; a daily A380 service to Nice, where Emirates remains the sole operator of the aircraft, and a daily A350 rotation to Lyon. Over the past 30 years, the airline has played a pivotal role in deepening bilateral trade, tourism, and industrial ties between France and the United Arab Emirates.
As one of Airbus’ most significant commercial clients, Emirates has invested more than €114 billion (US$130 billion) since its founding in 1985, acquiring 254 aircraft across various Airbus models, including the A300, A310, A330, A340, A350, and A380. These investments have supported thousands of jobs across France’s aerospace sector, notably with key suppliers such as Safran, Thales, and Michelin.
In 2023, the airline signed a landmark €896 million (US$1 billion) agreement with Safran for new-generation seating across its fleet, including the A350, Boeing 777X-9, and existing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates also committed over €322 million (US$367.5 million) to Thales’ latest AVANT Up inflight entertainment systems for its A350s, reaffirming its dedication to delivering world-class passenger experiences.
Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo continues to facilitate vital trade links, operating weekly rotations connecting Dubai World Central with Paris Charles de Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupéry. The UAE remains France’s most significant trading partner in the Middle East, and Emirates’ operational footprint contributes over €189 million (US$215 million) annually to the French economy through local procurement, airport services, catering, and logistics.
A cultural link of another kind is found in the airline’s cellar: France ranks as Emirates’ primary global source market for wine, with Bordeaux alone accounting for 58% of red wine served in First and Business Class.
The Emirates A350 on display this week features a three-class configuration: 32 next-generation lie-flat Business Class suites in a 1-2-1 layout; 21 seats in the recently introduced Premium Economy; and 259 enhanced Economy Class seats. Passengers across all cabins benefit from refined ergonomics, greater storage space, wider aisles, and elevated ceiling heights, as well as the airline’s latest in-flight entertainment platform, improved ambient lighting, and faster onboard connectivity.
By the end of 2025, the Emirates A350 is expected to be operational on 17 international routes. To date, the airline has inducted seven A350 aircraft, with an additional 58 scheduled to join the fleet in the coming years.
Emirates’ return to Le Bourget serves not merely as a showcase of modern engineering, but as a reaffirmation of the airline’s continued leadership in shaping the future of global air travel.
For more information, visit the Emirates media centre.
