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In a landmark development, Emirates Airlines (EK) has unveiled its new daily service connecting Dubai (DXB) with Shenzhen (SZX). The inaugural flight, EK328, landed at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on 1st July 2025, marking a significant milestone for the airline’s expansion strategy in China. With this new route, Emirates strengthens its network in the Chinese mainland, becoming the fourth gateway for the airline in China, joining major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

This new route enhances Emirates’ presence in East Asia, positioning the airline to support the region’s growing demand for travel and trade. Shenzhen, as a vibrant tech and innovation hub, is crucial to the airline’s strategy to connect global markets, particularly within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which plays a pivotal role in international business. The launch is aligned with the UAE and China’s deepening economic partnership, and it further reinforces the strong commercial and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Emirates’ Expanding Reach in China

The introduction of Shenzhen to Emirates’ network is a key element of the airline’s East Asia growth strategy. Emirates now offers 42 weekly flights to four major Chinese cities: Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), and Shenzhen (SZX). This expansion not only addresses the increasing travel demand but also enhances trade opportunities between the UAE and China—one of the world’s largest economies. The new service is expected to improve connectivity and provide smoother access to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, offering travelers seamless links to global destinations.

Key Flight Details:

• Flight EK328 departs from Dubai at 10:05 am, landing in Shenzhen at 22:00 hrs.
• The return leg, EK329, leaves Shenzhen at 23:55 hrs, arriving in Dubai at 03:40 hrs the following day.

The schedule is meticulously designed to ensure smooth connections to key European cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and further destinations across the Middle East and Africa. The airline aims to serve both business travelers and tourists looking for convenient, timely connections.

Premium Travel Experience on Emirates’ Boeing 777

Passengers traveling to Shenzhen will be aboard the newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, which boasts enhanced cabin offerings designed to elevate the travel experience across all classes. Emirates has invested significantly in improving the passenger experience on this aircraft, which features:

• 8 private First Class suites for a luxurious and private experience.
• 40 Business Class lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing maximum comfort and privacy for business travelers.
• 24 Premium Economy seats designed for extra comfort, including wider seats and more legroom.
• 260 spacious Economy Class seats, designed for an enjoyable and relaxed journey.

This is the first time Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 has flown to Shenzhen, marking a significant moment for the airline as it continues to provide premium services in high-demand markets. The upgraded aircraft also underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its passengers.

Cargo and Trade Benefits: A Key Link for Shenzhen’s Industries

In addition to the passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo plays a pivotal role in facilitating international trade through this new route. Each flight from Dubai to Shenzhen offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo capacity. This is particularly valuable for the advanced industries in Shenzhen, including biopharma, smart manufacturing, and e-commerce, which are integral to the region’s economy.

The service strengthens Emirates’ role in the “Aerial Silk Road”, ensuring the reliable movement of high-value goods across global markets. The route will also support time-sensitive logistics by offering Emirates’ cold chain capabilities, enabling the efficient movement of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals.

This is a significant advantage for businesses in Shenzhen, as it ensures access to the global supply chain, boosting the region’s capacity to trade internationally.

Strengthening UAE-China Bilateral Relations

The expansion of Emirates’ services to Shenzhen aligns with the growing economic cooperation between the UAE and China. As the UAE becomes China’s largest trade partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade amounting to a staggering US$95 billion in 2023, Emirates is strategically positioned to facilitate trade and investment flows between the two nations. This new route is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance its role as a bridge between the Middle East and East Asia, fostering deeper cooperation in sectors like technology, logistics, and finance.

Additionally, the visa-free entry agreement for up to 30 days for travelers from the UAE and other GCC countries further promotes ease of travel for both business and leisure visitors. This ease of access is set to boost tourism and business exchanges between the two countries.

Emirates’ Retrofitted 777 and A380: Expanding Global Network

Emirates has also been focusing on fleet modernization to meet the growing demands of global travelers. The airline has been retrofitting its Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s to provide an upgraded premium travel experience across key markets. These enhancements are part of the airline’s ongoing efforts to cater to a rising demand for premium economy and business class services.

The retrofitted Boeing 777s now feature:

• 8 First Class suites, offering the highest level of luxury.
• 40 Business Class seats, providing ample space for relaxation and work.
• 24 Premium Economy seats with a wider layout and enhanced amenities.
• 256 Economy Class seats, designed for comfort over long-haul flights.

Emirates’ commitment to enhancing the passenger experience is evident in these upgrades, especially with the growing demand for Premium Economy services. The aircraft’s interior designs aim to set a new standard for long-haul comfort.

Future Expansion Plans and Enhanced Connectivity

Emirates’ expansion to Shenzhen is just the latest development in the airline’s fleet and network expansion. As the airline continues to modernize its fleet, it has announced plans to deploy retrofit aircraft on several other high-demand routes. Some key developments include:

• Milan (MXP): The airline will introduce a third daily flight (EK101/102) with a Boeing 777-300ER.
• Shanghai (PVG): The Boeing 777 will be retrofitted for EK304/305, while EK302/303 will be upgraded to an Airbus A380.
• Zurich (ZRH): From 1 February 2026, the Boeing 777 will be replaced by an Airbus A380 on EK85/86.
• Singapore (SIN): A third daily flight to Singapore will be upgraded to an Airbus A380.

These strategic upgrades not only enhance the passenger experience but also provide better capacity management to meet the growing demand for international travel. The airline’s ongoing commitment to fleet modernization ensures that travelers continue to enjoy world-class service across all cabins, particularly as Premium Economy continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Conclusion: Emirates’ Commitment to Global Expansion and Passenger Experience

Emirates’ launch of the Shenzhen service is a crucial step in the airline’s East Asia expansion strategy. By connecting Dubai with Shenzhen, the airline is supporting growing travel demand while bolstering trade ties between the UAE and China. The addition of this route further enhances Emirates’ position as a global leader in aviation, providing seamless connections between East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

The retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, with its luxurious first-class suites and enhanced business and economy sections, ensures that passengers traveling to and from Shenzhen will have a world-class experience. As Emirates continues to upgrade its fleet and expand its network, the airline remains at the forefront of providing travelers with exceptional service, while also playing a pivotal role in fostering economic and diplomatic ties across regions.