Air India has unveiled plans to deploy its Airbus A350-900 aircraft on key US routes.
Starting November 1, 2024, the airline will deploy the widebody aircraft on New York JFK-Delhi flights. The A350-900 will then also serve Newark-Delhi flights from January 2, 2025.
The changes will see the rollout of the Premium Economy cabin class on these strategically crucial routes.
Premium Economy: A New Level of Comfort
In a first for Air India, the A350 introduction brings Premium Economy to the New York JFK-Delhi and Newark-Delhi routes.
This new cabin class features 24 wide seats arranged in a comfortable 2-4-2 configuration. Passengers can look forward to a dedicated, upscale cabin environment.
With extra legroom and various other enhancements, it bridges the gap between Economy and Business class.
Luxurious Cabins and Amenities
The A350’s Business class sets a new standard for luxury air travel. It offers 28 private suites with full-flat beds in a 1-2-1 layout.
Each suite provides direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors for enhanced seclusion, and a personal wardrobe.
For those traveling in Economy, the aircraft offers 264 spacious seats arranged in a 3-4-3 configuration, ensuring comfort on long-haul flights.
Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system.
High-definition screens offer access to over 2,200 hours of diverse entertainment content, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Signature Experiences: Elevating Air Travel
Air India’s A350 flights will showcase the airline’s newly unveiled signature soft products and award-winning guest enhancements. These include:
- Elegant new chinaware, enhancing the dining experience
- Stylish new tableware and glassware
- Luxurious updated bedding for a restful journey
- Exclusive amenity kits for Business and Premium Economy passengers, designed by renowned brands Ferragamo and TUMI respectively
These thoughtful touches aim to create a more refined and enjoyable travel experience across all aspects of the journey.
Air India CEO Comments
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, shared his thoughts about the A350 deployment.
“The positive guest feedback from our domestic A350 flights has been incredibly encouraging. By introducing this premium product on our Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes, we’re taking a significant leap forward in our U.S. operations.”
“This move underscores our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and passenger satisfaction.”
Wilson further emphasized, “Our new seats, advanced inflight entertainment systems, and enhanced onboard products collectively offer guests unparalleled comfort and service.”
“These improvements represent the new Air India and reflect our dedication to excellence. We’re confident that this upgraded offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier.”
“It will also attract discerning travelers seeking a truly world-class flying experience between India and the United States.”
Comprehensive Upgrades Across U.S. Routes
The introduction of the A350 is part of a broader initiative to enhance Air India’s service across all U.S. routes.
With this deployment, 60% of the airline’s U.S. flights will feature new or upgraded cabin interiors. Over recent months, Air India has been systematically replacing its legacy aircraft on other U.S. routes with newer models.
Current Fleet Enhancements
Air India now operates three-class Boeing 777-200LRs on the majority of its India-San Francisco flights. These aircraft boast:
- 28 Business class suites with luxurious full-flat beds
- 48 Premium Economy seats offering extra legroom
- 212 comfortable Economy seats
- Updated in-flight entertainment systems
For routes connecting Mumbai with New York JFK and Newark, Air India utilizes three-class Boeing 777-300ERs. These aircraft feature:
- 8 opulent First class suites
- 40 Business class seats with full-flat beds
- 280 Economy seats
- Modern entertainment systems to keep passengers engaged throughout their journey
Current Operations and Future Plans
Air India’s fleet modernization continues apace, with six A350-900 aircraft already delivered in 2024.
These planes are currently being used for domestic flights and on the Delhi-Dubai route for regulatory compliance and crew familiarization.
Looking ahead, from September 1, 2024, Air India will start operating its A350-900 on flights between Delhi and London Heathrow.
The airline’s ambitious plans include orders for 34 additional A350s, including 20 of the larger A350-1000 variant.
Currently, Air India serves five major cities in the United States: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.
The airline operates a total of 51 weekly flights between India and the United States, cementing its position as a key player in the lucrative trans-Atlantic market.
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