Emirates is set to introduce its Airbus A350 on the Dubai–Nairobi route from 25 October 2026, bringing its latest-generation aircraft and Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time.
The A350 will operate EK717 and EK718, making Nairobi the 32nd destination in the Emirates network to receive the aircraft. The deployment will introduce a three-cabin configuration comprising Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class, with capacity for up to 298 passengers.
For Kenya’s travel trade, the most notable change is the arrival of Emirates’ Premium Economy product. The cabin is positioned between Economy and Business Class, offering wider leather seats, additional legroom, adjustable headrests, leg and footrests, in-seat charging and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen.
A new product for the Kenya market
The introduction gives travel agents another cabin option to present to customers who want greater comfort than Economy without moving to a Business Class fare.
The product could be particularly relevant for corporate travellers, premium leisure clients and passengers connecting through Dubai to destinations in Europe, the Americas and other long-haul markets. Emirates currently operates 21 weekly flights between Nairobi and Dubai, following the introduction of its third daily service in July.
The A350’s Business Class cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access for every passenger, while Economy has upgraded seating and Emirates’ latest ice inflight entertainment system with 13.3-inch 4K screens.
More choice for agents
The aircraft deployment adds another dimension to how agents can structure Dubai and beyond itineraries. Premium Economy provides an additional price-and-comfort proposition that can be considered when clients are upgrading from Economy but do not require the full Business Class product.
It also comes as Emirates continues to expand its proposition in Kenya. The airline introduced its third daily Nairobi service in July, taking the route to 21 flights per week and improving connection options through Dubai.
Emirates has confirmed that tickets can be booked through its website and app, as well as through online and offline travel agents and the Emirates World store in Nairobi.
For agents, the immediate opportunity is to familiarise themselves with the new cabin, its fare availability and applicable booking conditions ahead of the October rollout. The A350 deployment gives the Kenya market access to a product that was previously unavailable on Emirates’ Nairobi service, expanding the range of options agents can present to travellers across different budgets and comfort requirements.