Marking a significant milestone in its transformation journey, Air India on Sunday welcomed its first wide-body Airbus A350-900 aircraft, adorned in its stunning new livery, at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This arrival ushers in a new chapter for the airline, promising a world-class travel experience and a major leap forward in its competitiveness on international routes.
The aircraft, registered as VT-JRA, touched down at 13:46 hrs, drawing a water cannon salute and cheers from ground personnel and aviation enthusiasts. This landmark event signifies the first of 20 A350s ordered by Air India, with five more scheduled for delivery by March 2024. As part of its ambitious fleet modernization plan, Air India has also placed an order for 40 additional A350s, comprising both A350-900 and A350-1000 variants, alongside 140 narrow-body A321neo and 70 A320neo planes.
“The arrival of the A350 is not just about adding an aircraft to our fleet,” declared Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson, addressing the gathering. “It’s a declaration of Indian aviation’s resurgence on the world stage. This technologically advanced aircraft represents a new age of flying, offering passengers unparalleled comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.”
Features of the A350 Aircrafts
The A350 boasts a spacious cabin with mood lighting, larger windows, and advanced in-flight entertainment systems. Its fuel-efficient engines significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Air India’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Experts believe this is a pivotal moment for Air India. As industry analyst Kapil Kaul puts it, “The A350 is a game-changer for Air India. It not only provides a superior passenger experience but also allows the airline to compete effectively on long-haul routes. This, combined with the broader fleet modernization plan, has the potential to transform Air India into a truly global airline.”
Analysts believe the A350s will enable Air India to compete effectively on long-haul routes, particularly to Europe and North America. The airline plans to deploy these aircraft on key international routes, offering enhanced passenger comfort and service in a bid to regain market share and attract premium travelers.
Will A350s augur well for Air India?
The arrival of the A350s is not just a technological upgrade for Air India; it’s a symbol of the airline’s ambitious revival plans under the Tata Group ownership. With a renewed focus on customer experience, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, Air India is poised to soar into a brighter future, with its first wide-body aircraft marking the dawn of a new era.
The airline has previously declared that this aircraft will be used for long-haul flights after being used for short-haul flights. The airline said that the new aircraft will go into commercial service in January of next year, first doing short-haul flights inside the country to acquaint the crew before moving on to longer-haul flights to locations across continents.
Additionally, it stated that the A350’s commercial operation timetable will be revealed in the upcoming weeks. According to Air India, the 316-seater A350-900 has a three-class cabin layout with 28 private business class suites including full-flat mattresses, 24 premium economy seats with more legroom, and 264 roomy economy class seats.
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