Air India is taking its Delhi-London Heathrow route to new heights with the introduction of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Starting September 1st, 2024, these brand-new planes will mark the long-haul international debut of Air India’s most advanced offering, transforming the travel experience for guests on the twice-daily flights.
Airbus A350 Deployment
This upgrade signifies a major step in Air India’s fleet modernization. The A350-900s will replace Boeing 777-300ERs and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners on 14 out of 17 weekly flights. Overall, the substitutaion will add a significant 336 seats to the route’s total capacity.
With this deployment of the flagship Airbus A350, the Indian carrier will have successfully upgraded 90% of its London Heathrow flights.
Earlier in 2024, Air India began offering enhanced cabin experiences on all Mumbai-London Heathrow flights.
This included deploying recently acquired Boeing 777-300ERs with improved interiors, upgraded inflight entertainment systems.
It will also see the much-anticipated return of First Class on the London Heathrow-Mumbai route.
This move solidifies Air India’s position as the only carrier providing First Class travel between India and the UK.
Premium Comfort and Award-Winning Amenities
Passengers on the Delhi-London route can now look forward to a touch of luxury with the introduction of Air India’s Premium Economy class.
The A350-900 boasts 24 spacious Premium Economy seats arranged in a comfortable 2-4-2 configuration within a dedicated cabin.
The A350 flights will also showcase a range of recently unveiled, award-winning guest enhancements.
These include new chinaware, tableware, and glassware, along with upgraded bedding and amenity kits designed exclusively for Business and Premium Economy classes.
Passengers in Business Class will receive amenity kits by Ferragamo, while those in Premium Economy will enjoy TUMI-designed kits.
Elevating the Travel Experience
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, expressed his enthusiasm for the new deployment.
“Deploying our flagship A350s and upgraded B777s to London Heathrow marks a significant milestone for Air India.”
“This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing a truly world-class travel experience that surpasses customer expectations.”
“As we continue to modernize our fleet, we are going above and beyond to meet the needs of our valued guests.”
Wilson further described the industry-leading features like the new Premium Economy cabin on the A350 and exciting on-board enhancements.
“We are confident that these daily flights between India and London Heathrow will become the preferred choice for travelers seeking a truly exceptional journey.”
Air India Under Tata Ownership
Air India, India’s iconic national carrier, embarked on a new chapter in its history in January 2022.
After nearly seven decades under government administration, the airline, along with Air India Express, returned to its roots under the Tata Group’s ownership.
This homecoming marked a significant moment in Indian aviation, reuniting Air India with its founders after a long separation.
The Tata Group boasts a rich legacy in Indian aviation, having played a pioneering role in the country’s air travel sector.
JRD Tata, the visionary leader behind the Tata Group, established Air India in 1932. Since its re-acquisition, the Tata Group held ambitious plans for carrier.
This involved not just revamping it but also merging it with Vistara, another airline majority-owned by the Tata Group. The merger creates a revitalized full-service carrier.
This consolidation aims to create a stronger, more competitive airline with a wider network and a modern fleet.
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