PTC Web Desk: In a significant achievement for Indian aviation, Air India received its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered VT-JRA, marking a momentous step in its transformation journey, an official announcement confirmed.
Touching down at the Delhi airport at 13:46 hrs (local time) following its delivery flight from Toulouse, France, the Airbus A350-900 was welcomed warmly by Air India representatives.
Onboard the delivery flight was Senior Commander Captain Monika Batra Vaidya, among the pioneering Indian pilots trained specifically for the A350, who participated as an observer.
This induction of the A350 signifies a new chapter for Air India, introducing a fresh wide-body fleet type after more than a decade, making it the inaugural Indian airline to operate this model. Notably, in 2012, the airline was the first in India to include the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet type.
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, hailed this achievement as a testament to the airline’s progress and commitment to elevating industry standards.
Emphasising the A350’s advanced technology and operational efficiency, Wilson reiterated Air India’s dedication to excellence and sustainable aviation goals.
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Configured with 316 seats across three classes by Collins Aerospace, the A350 boasts 28 private Business Class suites, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 264 spacious Economy Class seats.
Set to commence commercial operations in January 2024, the A350 will initially undergo domestic service for crew training before expanding to international routes, with specific flight schedules to be disclosed soon.
Air India’s order encompasses 20 Airbus A350-900s, with five more slated for delivery by March 2024, alongside additional orders for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft.
Concurrently, Air India has unveiled a new brand identity and refreshed crew uniforms, signaling a strategic expansion plan under Tata ownership.
