Air India achieved a historic milestone by officially taking delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, becoming the first Indian carrier to operate this advanced aircraft type. The delivery marked a significant moment in Air India’s ongoing transformation and its commitment to setting new benchmarks in Indian aviation.
The Airbus A350-900 registered as VT-JRA, arrived in New Delhi from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France, at 13:46 Hrs (local time) on Saturday. This delivery flight, operated with the special call sign AI350, was greeted by Air India representatives, including Senior Commander Captain Monika Batra Vaidya, one of the first Indian pilots trained on the A350.
Air India, a trailblazer in catalyzing the renaissance of Indian aviation, now holds the distinction of being the first Indian airline to introduce the A350. This follows its earlier achievement of being the first to induct the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet in 2012.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, described the moment as a red-letter day for the airline. He emphasized that the A350 symbolizes the relentless efforts of all Air India employees and signifies Indian aviation’s resurgence on the world stage.
The A350 is set to enter commercial service with Air India in January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarization before embarking on longer-haul flights to destinations across continents. The A350-900 features a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats, offering a world-class travel experience.
As part of its ambitious expansion plans, Air India has orders for 20 Airbus A350-900s, with five more scheduled for delivery through March 2024. The airline’s firm orders with Airbus include an additional 20 A350-1000s. Tata-owned Air India, under new ownership, aims for a turnaround, having outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes a substantial fleet renewal.
The delivery of the A350 coincides with the rollout of Air India’s new global brand identity, a new consumer-facing website and mobile app, and the unveiling of new uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew designed by renowned Indian couturier Manish Malhotra. These initiatives collectively contribute to Air India’s commitment to providing an unparalleled level of service and setting new standards in the aviation industry.