Air India has announced that its Airbus A350, a first for India, is set to begin commercial operations on January 22, 2024.
The airline is now open for bookings, offering passengers from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai a chance to experience the unmatched comfort and cutting-edge technology of the A350 aircraft in Air India’s stunning new look.
Initially, the aircraft will operate on domestic routes for crew familiarization and regulatory compliance. Passengers can look forward to a remarkable journey, as the A350 later embarks on longer-haul flights to destinations across continents. This move marks a significant milestone in Air India’s transformation journey, with the A350 being a prominent symbol of the airline’s evolution.
The debut of Air India’s first Airbus A350, registered as VT-JRA, took place on December 23, 2023, at IGI Airport, Delhi, after a flight from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France. This A350 is the part the 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft ordered by Air India, with one new aircraft scheduled to arrive every six days throughout 2024.
Equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, these aircraft boast a remarkable 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to similar models, contributing to reduced fuel emissions and sustainable operations.
Air India A350-900: Features
Air India’s A350-900 features a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats, including 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 264 spacious Economy seats. All passengers can enjoy the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens for an enhanced flying experience.
Air India A350-900: Domestic Flight Schedule
Starting from January 22, 2024, Air India will implement a revised schedule for its A350 domestic flights. The updated flight details are as follows:
AI589:
- Days of Operation: All days except Tuesdays
- Sector: Bengaluru-Mumbai
- Departure: 07:05 AM
- Arrival: 08:50 AM
AI589:
- Days of Operation: All days except Tuesdays
- Sector: Mumbai-Chennai
- Departure: 10:05 AM
- Arrival: 12:05 PM
AI589:
- Days of Operation: All days except Tuesdays
- Sector: Chennai-Bengaluru
- Departure: 13:20 PM
- Arrival: 14:30 PM
AI587:
- Days of Operation: All days except Tuesdays
- Sector: Bengaluru-Chennai
- Departure: 16:00 PM
- Arrival: 17:10 PM
AI587:
- Days of Operation: All days except Tuesdays
- Sector: Chennai-Hyderabad
- Departure: 18:30 PM
- Arrival: 19:40 PM
AI587:
- Days of Operation: All days except Tuesdays
- Sector: Hyderabad-Bengaluru
- Departure: 21:10 PM
- Arrival: 22:20 PM
AI868:
- Days of Operation: Tuesdays
- Sector: Bengaluru-Delhi
- Departure: 07:40 AM
- Arrival: 10:30 AM
AI869:
- Days of Operation: Tuesdays
- Sector: Delhi-Bengaluru
- Departure: 19:00 PM
- Arrival: 21:50 PM
In sync with the A350’s entry into service, Air India has already introduced its new global brand identity and unveiled a stylish collection of uniforms designed by celebrity couturier Manish Malhotra for cabin and cockpit crew.
