GURUGRAM- As Air India (AI) prepares for the imminent delivery of its initial Airbus A350 aircraft this month, the airline is enhancing its in-house capabilities to perform maintenance tasks on the widebody planes.
Sisira Dash, Chief Technical Officer at Air India, has stated to Aviation Week that the airline is fully prepared for the first A350 induction after completing various training programs.
Air India A350 Delivery
Approximately 30 engineers have undergone original equipment manufacturer (OEM) training at the Airbus facility in Toulouse, with some individuals completing courses related to the aircraft’s structure and engine run.
In the latest update, the airline has dispatched three groups of engineers from Air India Group subsidiaries, namely Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect, for specialized training sessions in Toulouse.
Following the completion of these training sessions, these engineers will return in time to facilitate the delivery of the new A350 – a historic milestone for an Indian airline.
Airbus has organized review meetings to provide additional insights into the technical intricacies of the A350. Subsequent reviews are planned after the aircraft’s arrival to ensure continuous support in addressing technical issues.
Additionally, some technical staff have been sent to Singapore for hands-on training on A350 aircraft with SIA Engineering Company. This training encompasses a focus on routine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations, including turn-around inspections and scheduled maintenance activities.
Anticipating 4 A350s by March 2024
Upon receipt, Air India intends to operate the new A350s on extended international routes, leveraging their long-range capabilities and high passenger capacity.
However, the initial deployment will not involve ultra-long-haul routes. Instead, the aircraft will undergo a scrutiny period of up to 20 days by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation regulator. Subsequently, it will be operated domestically to facilitate the crew’s familiarization with the aircraft.
As part of a comprehensive order for 470 aircraft placed in February 2023, Air India anticipates receiving four A350s by March 2024. The airline has already taken delivery of several A320, A321neos, and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from the aforementioned order.
The initial delivery of the new fleet will consist of six A350-900 aircraft originally constructed for the Russian carrier Aeroflot. These planes will feature an upgraded cabin product and boast a 25% reduction in fuel consumption. Air India has commenced the regulatory approval process for their inclusion.
Presently, AI Engineering Services handles the maintenance of all Air India and Air India Express aircraft, while the routine daily maintenance for AirAsia India and Vistara aircraft is managed internally.
Heavy checks for all aircraft within the Air India Group are outsourced to third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
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