For the First Time: Emirates Brings Premium Economy to Kenya Starting October

After introducing its much-anticipated third daily service between Dubai and Nairobi in July, boosting capacity on one of its key African routes and strengthening connections between Kenya, Europe, North America and the Middle East, Emirates has fresh news.

32nd Destination to Receive the A350

Today, September 24, the airline announced that it will bring its Airbus A350 to the Kenyan city for the first time, introducing a new aircraft and its Premium Economy cabin to the Kenyan market from October 25, 2026.

Safari park in Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

The A350 will operate flights EK717 and EK718 between Dubai and Nairobi, giving passengers access to Emirates' latest-generation cabin product on the route. Nairobi will become the 32nd destination in the Emirates network to receive the A350.

Emirates A350 Business Class. Photo: Emirates

The aircraft is configured with 298 seats across three cabins: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. Emirates says the A350 has been designed with brighter, more spacious cabins, updated technology and enhanced inflight entertainment.

Kenya. Photo: Shutterstock

Adjustable Headrests, Extra Legroom, 13.3-Inch Screens

For passengers in Kenya, however, the biggest change will be the arrival of Premium Economy.

This will be the first time Emirates offers the cabin to customers traveling to and from Kenya. The Premium Economy cabin features leather reclining seats, adjustable headrests, additional legroom, a wood-finished side table and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen. Selected flights, including the Dubai-Nairobi service, will also offer complimentary amenity kits.

Emirates Premium Economy. Photo: Emirates

Business Class on the A350 uses a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The seats convert into fully flat beds and include personal minibars and wireless charging.

Emirates A350. Photo: Emirates

Economy Class features Emirates' updated cabin design and an upgraded ice entertainment system with 13.3-inch 4K adjustable touchscreens. The seats also have adjustable leather headrests and generous seat pitch.

Major Move for the Airline

Emirates Country Manager in Kenya Christophe Leloup said the arrival of the A350 would bring the airline's latest aircraft and onboard experience to customers in the market.

Nairobi has also become an important location for Emirates beyond its flight operations. The city is home to the airline's first Emirates World store in Africa, which opened in 2024.

The airline has also introduced additional payment flexibility for Kenyan customers through a partnership with Cellulant, allowing travelers to use a split-payment option when purchasing airfares.

The Emirates A350 will therefore add a new level of cabin choice on the Nairobi route, while the airline continues to operate 21 weekly flights between the Kenyan capital and Dubai.

Tickets for the A350-operated flights are available through Emirates' website, app, travel agents and the Emirates World store in Nairobi.