Air India has introduced its new flagship, the Airbus A350, on the ultra-long-haul Delhi to New York route, marking the first time an Indian airline has added a new aircraft type in over a decade. The A350, now flying daily non-stop to New York’s JFK Airport, represents a key milestone in Air India’s fleet modernisation and post-privatisation transformation programme.
The airline’s deployment of the A350 will expand further in January, with plans to introduce the aircraft on the Delhi-Newark route, operating five times per week from January 2. In addition, Air India has announced that inflight Wi-Fi services will soon be available on international A350 flights.
Historically, Air India has operated its ultra long-haul routes primarily using Boeing 777 aircraft, many of which are ageing and have drawn criticism for their dated interiors. Most of the airline’s wide-body fleet was acquired under government ownership, leading to a fleet of older, legacy planes. However, with the deployment of the A350—already launched on the Delhi to London Heathrow route in September—the airline aims to offer a significantly enhanced travel experience.
Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, noted the positive reception the A350 has received from passengers, stating, “Guest feedback on the aircraft and new customer experience has been exceptionally positive since it was launched on the Delhi-London Heathrow route, so we are excited to now bring it to New York. We are also looking forward to commencing the full interior refit of existing aircraft in 2025, which, together with the hundreds of new aircraft on order, will take Air India to new heights.”
The A350 promises an elevated on-board experience, with features such as updated meal menus, new serviceware, and upgraded bedding. Business and Premium Economy passengers will enjoy amenity kits designed by Ferragamo and TUMI, respectively. Across all cabins, seats are equipped with Panasonic’s latest-generation eX3 entertainment system, offering more than 3,000 hours of content in 13 international and eight Indian regional languages.
The A350 joins Air India’s fleet as part of a substantial order for 470 aircraft placed in 2023, comprising 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing planes. Of the 40 A350s ordered, six have already been delivered. The A350-900 model, in a three-class configuration, seats 316 passengers—28 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 264 in economy—and offers a range of over 15,000 km. The aircraft was originally destined for Russia’s Aeroflot but was redirected to Air India due to sanctions against Moscow.
This massive fleet expansion, which includes both wide-body A350s and A320neo narrow-body aircraft, supports Air India’s strategy to expand its network and deliver a world-class flying experience. Alongside its new aircraft, Air India has embarked on a $400-million interior refit programme for its narrow-body fleet, with wide-body refits set to commence early next year.
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