Air India has inaugurated the inaugural operation of India’s first Airbus A350 on the prominent Mumbai to Chennai route. The newly introduced flight, AI 589, is set to fly daily, excluding Tuesdays, departing Mumbai at 10:05 am and landing in Mumbai at 12:05 pm. The airline also announced that passengers will have the chance to enjoy the cutting-edge features of the Airbus A350 on routes connecting Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
As the pioneering airline in the country to integrate the Airbus A350 into its fleet, Air India stated, “Initially, while the aircraft is deployed on domestic routes for crew familiarization and regulatory compliance, passengers from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will have the opportunity to experience the unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art technology of the A350 – part of the 470 new aircraft order that Air India placed less than a year ago.”
Air India has outlined future plans for the A350, indicating its eventual utilization for long-haul flights to destinations across continents. The initial delivery of Air India’s Airbus A350-900, registered as VT-JRA, marks the commencement of the airline’s order for 20 such aircraft, with an additional five units expected for delivery by March 2024.
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This delivery signifies a significant milestone in Air India’s comprehensive agreement with Airbus, which includes firm orders for 250 new planes, including 20 A350-1000s. On December 23, the inaugural Airbus A350-900, VT-JRA, landed at IGI Airport in Delhi after its journey from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France.
The recent Wings India Global Aviation Summit in Hyderabad showcased the A350 on static display, offering the public a first-hand look at the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and distinctive amenities that will enhance the passenger experience during the aircraft’s international operations.
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The A350-900 aircraft in Air India’s fleet features a three-class cabin configuration, accommodating a total of 316 seats. This includes 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and additional amenities, and a spacious Economy section with 264 seats.
All seats throughout the aircraft are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and high-definition screens, promising passengers an exceptional flying experience. Powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, these aircraft demonstrate a remarkable 20 per cent increase in fuel efficiency compared to similar models, showcasing Air India’s commitment to sustainable operations and reducing fuel emissions.
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