GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) has officially declared that its new Airbus A350, marking India’s debut with this aircraft type, is set to commence commercial operations on January 22, 2024.
In a celebratory gesture for the New Year, the airline has initiated bookings for flights operated by the A350, extending the opportunity for travel enthusiasts from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to relish the unmatched comfort and cutting-edge technology featured in Air India’s distinctive new livery.
Air India A350 Routes
While the initial deployment of the aircraft on domestic routes serves crew familiarization and regulatory compliance purposes, it signifies a significant step in Air India’s transformative journey.
Subsequently, the A350 will embark on longer-haul journeys, connecting destinations across various continents.
Here is the schedule for the first A350 domestic flights:
A350 Receives Grand Welcome
On December 23, 2023, Air India officially welcomed its initial Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered as VT-JRA, at IGI Airport in Delhi (DEL). The aircraft had flown in from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.
This significant event marked the introduction of the first widebody aircraft from Air India’s remarkable order of 470 aircraft, set to arrive at the rate of one new aircraft every six days throughout 2024.
Equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, these A350s boast a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to similar aircraft, contributing to reduced fuel emissions and promoting sustainable operations.
Comfort in Skies
Air India’s A350-900 is configured with a three-class cabin layout, offering a total of 316 seats. This includes 28 private Business suites featuring full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with additional legroom and amenities, and 264 spacious Economy seats.
All seats on the aircraft are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens, enhancing the overall flying experience. This upgraded system will provide passengers with a fresh array of content while on board.
In tandem with the arrival of the A350, Air India has already implemented its new global brand identity across various guest touchpoints.
Additionally, the airline unveiled a new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew, designed by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra.
With the introduction of the A350 into service, passengers can expect to see Air India’s cabin crew and pilots donning these new uniforms, showcasing a modern and unified look for the airline.
Pilot Training Facility
Air India is in the final phases of establishing a joint venture (JV) for Pilot Training with the prominent European aerospace company Airbus.
This collaboration aims to create a pilot training services facility anticipated to be the largest in the South Asian region.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the overall investment in this facility is expected to amount to ₹3,500 crore, with both Air India and Airbus holding equal 50% stakes in the venture.
The initial phase of the facility will commence with six simulators catering to the Airbus A320 family and A350 aircraft types. However, it is designed with the potential to expand its capacity to accommodate up to 20 simulators, positioning it among the most extensive training facilities in the region.
In addition to the Airbus-focused initiative, Air India is in the final stages of solidifying another joint venture with L3 Harris, a U.S.-based entity, specifically for pilot training concerning Boeing aircraft like the 737, 777, and 787.
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