Starting October 25, 2026, Emirates will replace the aircraft on its third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi with the Airbus A350. This change will introduce the Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time, offering passengers an upgraded experience on the Dubai-Nairobi route. The new aircraft will also enhance the airline's connectivity to Europe and North America through Dubai's hub. The Airbus A350 will operate flights EK717 from Dubai to Nairobi and EK718 from Nairobi back to Dubai, marking Nairobi as the 32nd destination served by the aircraft. This is the third daily flight between the two cities, launched on July 1, and brings Emirates' total weekly rotations on the route to 21. The aircraft will be configured with three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, offering a total of 298 seats. The new aircraft will be configured with 32 Business class seats, 28 in Premium Economy, and 238 in Economy. Business class will feature a 1-2-1 layout with direct corridor access, while Premium Economy will be arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration and Economy in a 3-3-3 layout. Christophe Leloup, Emirates director in Kenya, said the introduction of the A350 marks a new chapter for the airline in Kenya, offering passengers a new experience while maintaining the high standards they expect from Emirates. A key feature of the new service is the introduction of Premium Economy to the Kenyan market. This cabin includes 19.5-inch wide leather reclining seats with footrests, adjustable headrests, and 13.3-inch individual screens. Passengers will also have access to charging ports, Bluetooth connectivity for personal headphones, and a wooden-effect side tablet. Emirates highlights additional services such as the effervescent wine Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, comfort kits, and dedicated bedding. In Business class, sleeper seats include individual minibars and wireless charging, and the A350 features the latest version of the ice entertainment system with 4K screens, USB-C ports, and improved connectivity. EK717 departs Dubai at 1:20 AM and lands in Nairobi at 5:25 AM, while EK718 departs Nairobi at 7:10 AM and arrives in Dubai at 1:15 PM local time. This schedule improves connections to European cities such as Paris, London, Brussels, Madrid, Rome, and Lisbon, as well as access to Kenya from North America through Dubai. Emirates also added 280 tons of weekly freight capacity, supporting Kenya's exports of flowers and fresh products. With three weekly cargo flights already scheduled, the airline transports over 1,100 tons of goods per week to and from Kenya. Emirates has been operating in Nairobi since 1995 and has transported over six million passengers on the route in three decades. The switch to the A350 reflects a dual strategy: expanding the African route's capacity for both tourism and freight, while promoting the airline's newer cabin offerings across its network.