Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates India’s and Air India’s First Airbus A350
HYDERABAD. In a landmark moment for Indian aviation, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia officially inaugurated India’s and Air India’s first Airbus A350 aircraft on January 18, the first day of Wings India 2024.
This not only marks the arrival of a state-of-the-art aircraft to Air India’s fleet, but also signifies India’s growing stature as a major player in the global aviation industry.
“The A350 is a game-changer for Air India,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India. “It will not only elevate our passenger experience but also open up new routes and opportunities for expansion. Together with the full interior refit of our legacy widebody aircraft commencing mid-2024, this upgradation of fleet and product is a key pillar of returning Air India to the upper echelons of world aviation.”
The arrival of the A350 coincides with a period of rapid growth and transformation for Air India. Under the leadership of the Tata Group, the airline is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, aimed at renewing its fleet, expanding its global route network, enhancing its service offerings, and regaining its position as a global aviation leader.
Airbus A350
Equipped with powerful and fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the Airbus A350 delivers optimal performance, environmental benefits, and superior passenger comfort. Its impressive range of up to 9,700nm (18,000 km) enables non-stop flights from India to destinations in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Unparalleled passenger experience
The A350 offers wider cabins, larger windows, mood lighting, and advanced entertainment systems, and comes with world-class cabin products, setting a new benchmark for passenger experience on Indian airlines. Air India’s A350-900 comes with 316 seats in a three-class cabin configuration.
Luxe Business: Business class aboard Air India’s A350-900 features 28 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each boasting direct aisle access and sliding privacy doors. At the touch of a button, the suite chairs convert into full-sized beds, becoming guests’ own private cocoons in the sky. Each suite has a personal wardrobe and ample stowage space for electronic devices, amenities, and shoes, as well as a conveniently located mirror, catering to every traveller’s needs. 21-inch HD touchscreen and video handset provide an immersive entertainment experience, while universal A/C and USB-A power outlets ensure mobile and electronic devices stay charged.
Upscale Premium Economy: The exclusive Premium Economy cabin on Air India’s A350-900 has 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, offering ample legroom with 38 inches of seat pitch, 18.5 inches of seat width, and 8-inch recline. Each seat has a 4-way adjustable headrest and leg rest with a foot paddle for customised comfort, and a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen, and universal AC and USB-A power outlets.
Comfortable Economy: Economy has 264 seats in a 3-4-3 configuration, each with 31 inches of seat pitch, 17.5 inches of seat width, and 6 inches of recline, 4-way adjustable headrest, and a 12-inch HD touchscreen for a comfortable, yet stylish flying experience that delivers value for money.
Entering commercial service
Air India’s A350 enters commercial service on 22 January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarisation on flights to/from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The aircraft will be subsequently deployed on international routes.
The first A350 of the many arriving
Air India’s first A350, registered VT-JRA, is the first of Air India’s 20 Airbus A350-900 on order, with five more scheduled for deliveries through March 2024. Air India’s firm orders for 250 new aircraft with Airbus include 20 A350-1000 as well.
About Air India:
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has built an extensive domestic network with non-stop flights to cities around the world, across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022.
Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world class airline with an Indian heart. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded, and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long grounded aircraft, addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others. A member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium of leading international airlines, Air India offers seamless connectivity and facilities to passengers all over the world.
