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Emirates launches Airbus A350 operations from Bologna with debut Premium Economy cabin

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Emirates launches Airbus A350 operations from Bologna with debut Premium Economy cabin
Policy
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Tim Clark President, Emirates Airline | Emirates Airlines

Emirates has introduced its new Airbus A350 aircraft to Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport, marking the first time this model is operated in Italy and making Bologna one of the first ten cities worldwide to receive it. The inaugural flight occurred on June 21, celebrated with a traditional water cannon salute by the airport fire brigade. An official ceremony followed, attended by local authorities, media representatives, and Emirates executives.

Bologna was chosen as an early destination for the A350 due to its strategic regional position and infrastructure efficiency. The airport serves not only Bologna but also surrounding areas such as Modena, Parma, Ferrara, and Rimini. Emirates’ relationship with Bologna began in 2015 with the launch of direct flights to Dubai and has since grown through milestones like reaching 10 million passengers at the airport last year.

“We’re pleased to be back here to celebrate an important milestone that confirms the strategic role of this gateway within Emirates’ global network,” said Flavio Ghiringhelli, Country Manager of Emirates in Italy. “Our partnership with Bologna is a story of shared success and steady growth. Just last year, we joined the airport in celebrating the 10-million-passenger milestone, and two years ago we celebrated together the one-millionth Emirates passenger flying through this gateway. Today, we mark a new chapter with the arrival of the A350, a true symbol of innovation and excellence. We firmly believe that this next-generation aircraft will not only enhance the travel experience for our passengers but also act as a catalyst for increased commercial and cultural exchanges, further strengthening the ties between Bologna, Italy, and the rest of the world.”

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Emirates remains the sole airline offering direct service between Bologna and Dubai. Dubai serves as an international hub connecting five continents with over 150 destinations.

Nazareno Ventola, CEO of Bologna Airport said: “We are delighted – said Nazareno Ventola, CEO of Bologna Airport – to be alongside Emirates to celebrate the arrival of its A350 in Bologna. It is truly an honour and a privilege to have been chosen by Emirates as the first airport in Italy to operate this aircraft, a symbol of innovation and highest level of service quality, on its daily direct flight to Dubai. Our collaboration with Emirates turns 10 this year and is truly a success story, a partnership that has improved the connectivity of Bologna and the Region to the World, particularly to the Middle East and Far East.”

Beyond passenger transport services from Bologna Airport, Emirates plays an important role in supporting exports from Emilia-Romagna through its cargo division SkyCargo. This enables local businesses—including those producing technology components or luxury vehicles—to reach markets across Asia or Africa efficiently via Dubai’s advanced logistics infrastructure.

The introduction of Premium Economy on board marks another development for travelers departing from Italy on Emirates’ A350s—a class featuring more spacious seating arrangements than standard economy along with enhanced amenities such as dedicated service staff or gourmet menus inspired by regional cuisine traditions. The company’s ongoing $5 billion fleet modernization program aims to expand these premium offerings across additional routes globally.

From Bologna (flight EK094), there are daily departures arriving in Dubai at 23:30 local time; return flights (EK093) leave Dubai at 09:20 each day for arrival at 14:40 in Bologna.

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