Air India achieved a historic milestone as it officially received its first Airbus A350-900 on Saturday, becoming the first Indian carrier to operate this advanced aircraft type. The delivery of the A350-900, registered as VT-JRA, arrived in New Delhi from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France, marking a pivotal moment in Air India’s ongoing transformation.
The delivery flight, operated with the special call sign AI350, was warmly welcomed by Air India representatives. Senior Commander Captain Monika Batra Vaidya, one of the first Indian pilots trained on the A350, was on board as an observer. Air India, known for its aviation pioneering, previously became the first Indian airline to introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet in 2012.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, expressed the significance of the moment, stating that the A350 represents more than just an aircraft; it symbolizes the relentless efforts of Air India employees and the airline’s commitment to setting new benchmarks in Indian aviation. Wilson highlighted the A350’s role as a declaration of Indian aviation’s resurgence on the global stage.
The A350-900 will initially operate domestically for crew familiarization in January 2024, followed by long-haul flights to various international destinations. The A350 boasts a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats, including 28 private Business Class suites, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 264 spacious Economy Class seats, designed by Collins Aerospace.
Air India’s A350-900 is the first of 20 on order, with five more scheduled for delivery by March 2024. The airline’s order also includes 20 A350-1000 aircraft. This development aligns with Air India’s ambitious expansion plans, under Tata ownership, securing purchase agreements for 40 Airbus A350s and 220 new Boeing aircraft valued at USD 70 billion at list prices during the Paris Air Show in June.
As part of its renewed global identity, Air India recently unveiled new uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew designed by renowned Indian couturier Manish Malhotra. The airline has embarked on a comprehensive transformation, symbolized by the A350, to enhance its long-haul travel experience and achieve sustainability goals.
