AIR INDIA UNVEILS INDIA’S FIRST AIRBUS A350 AIRCRAFT FEATURING FRESH BRAND LIVERY
New Delhi, 23rd December 2023: Today marked a historic moment for Air India, India’s premier global airline, as it welcomed the inaugural Airbus A350-900 aircraft, bearing the registration VT-JRA, adorned with the airline’s bold new livery. This event signifies a pivotal milestone in Air India’s ongoing transformation journey.
The aircraft completed its journey from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France, arriving at New Delhi at 13:46 Hrs (local time) today. Operating under the distinctive call sign AI350, the delivery flight was met with a warm reception by Air India representatives. Senior Commander Capt. Monika Batra Vaidya, one of the first Indian pilots trained on the A350, was onboard as an observer.
In leading the resurgence of Indian aviation, Air India has taken a significant step by introducing the first new widebody fleet type in India in over a decade, making it the first Indian airline to operate the A350. Air India previously set this trend by being the first Indian airline to induct the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet type in 2012.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, expressed, “This moment is a historic achievement for the entire Air India family. The A350 is not just an aircraft; it symbolizes the collective dedication of all Air India employees towards the continuous transformation of our airline and our commitment to setting new industry standards. It is also a declaration of Indian aviation’s resurgence on the global stage.”
“As a representation of modern air travel, the A350 assures a world-class, long-haul travel experience on our non-stop routes, offering an unparalleled level of comfort. Its exceptional flight economics and cutting-edge technology underline our commitment to achieving commercial success and meeting our sustainability goals,” added Wilson.
Air India’s A350 is scheduled to commence commercial service in January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarization and later expanding to longer-haul flights to destinations worldwide. The specific schedule for commercial operations with the A350 will be announced in the coming weeks.
Configured with a three-class cabin, Air India’s A350-900 features 316 seats designed by Collins Aerospace. This includes 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and various distinguishing features, and 264 spacious Economy Class seats. All seats are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to enhance the overall flying experience.
This A350 marks the beginning of Air India’s order for 20 Airbus A350-900, with an additional five scheduled for delivery through March 2024. Furthermore, Air India’s firm orders with Airbus comprise 250 new aircraft, including 20 A350-1000.
In a recent move, the airline launched its new global brand identity across various touchpoints, introducing a consumer-facing website and mobile app. Preceding this, Air India revealed its highly anticipated collection of new uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew, designed by renowned Indian couturier Manish Malhotra. The crew will showcase these new uniforms with the entry into service of the A350.
