Air India’s acquisition of the Airbus A350-900, registered VT-JRA, is a significant milestone in the airline’s transformation journey. This aircraft, the first of 20 A350-900s Air India has ordered, arrived in New Delhi from Toulouse, France, and was greeted by Air India representatives. Senior Commander Capt. Monika Batra Vaidya, a trained A350 pilot, was an observer on the delivery flight.
This induction marks Air India as a pioneer in Indian aviation, being the first Indian airline to operate the A350, just as it was with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2012. The A350 will start commercial service in January 2024, initially on domestic routes for crew familiarization, followed by international flights.
Inside the A350-900: Unveiling Air India's Latest Cabin Configurations and Amenities
The A350-900 features a three-class cabin configuration designed by Collins Aerospace, comprising 28 Business Class suites, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 264 Economy Class seats. All seats are equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens.
Air India's Ambitious Fleet Expansion: The First of Many Airbus A350-900s
This aircraft is part of a larger order of 250 new aircraft from Airbus, including 20 A350-1000s, with more deliveries expected through March 2024. This acquisition represents a significant step in Air India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its fleet and service quality.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “This moment marks a
red-letter day for all of us at Air India. The A350 is not just metal and engines; it’s the flying embodiment
of the relentless efforts of all Air India employees towards our airline’s continuing transformation and of
our commitment to setting new benchmarks. It is also, in many ways, a declaration of Indian aviation’s
resurgence on the world stage.”
“As a symbol of the new age of flying, the A350 promises a world-class, long-haul travel experience on
our non-stop routes, providing an unparallelled level of comfort. Its excellent flight economics and stateof-the-art technology underscore our dedication to commercially successful operations and to achieving our sustainability goals,” Wilson added.