Looking for premium travel options to India? Air India has transitioned all flights between Delhi and New York City to its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900s, offering refreshed cabins across all classes. The most recent changeover involves the route connecting Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Additionally, flights from Mumbai to New York JFK and Newark continue to operate with the Airbus A350.
This shift builds on Air India’s initial introduction of the A350 on US routes in late 2023, when the airline replaced the Boeing 777-300ER with the A350-900 for its Delhi to New York JFK Airport (JFK) flights starting November 1.
First Airbus A350 Flight to Newark
The inaugural Airbus A350 flight from Delhi to Newark landed in the United States earlier today. Departing Delhi on Wednesday afternoon US time, the flight arrived in Newark at 6:55 a.m. local time on Thursday. The flight was operated by VT-JRH, a relatively new Airbus A350, just over a year old according to data from ch-aviation. This aircraft is the fifth A350 delivered to Air India, which currently has six of these planes in service.
Here are the details of the Airbus A350s currently in Air India’s fleet:
- VT-JRA: 1.4 years old, delivered in September 2023
- VT-JRB: 1.3 years old, delivered in October 2023
- VT-JRE: 1.3 years old, delivered in October 2023
- VT-JRF: 1.2 years old, delivered in November 2023
- VT-JRH: 1.1 years old, delivered in December 2023
- VT-JRI: 1.1 years old, delivered in December 2023
The flight duration was 14 hours and 35 minutes. The same aircraft later departed Newark, bound for Delhi, as AI106.
To celebrate this milestone, Air India also sent its cabin crew on a “cinematic journey” around iconic New York landmarks. The event showcased their new uniforms, designed by Manish Malhotra, as part of the airline’s efforts to promote its “new Air India experience.”
New Features on the Airbus A350
The Airbus A350s mark a significant upgrade for Air India, featuring completely redesigned cabin interiors. The airline highlights several enhancements:
- An award-winning inflight entertainment system offering over 3,000 hours of content, including 1,400 hours of movies, 850 hours of TV shows, and 1,000 hours of audio.
- Complimentary onboard WiFi for all passengers.
- Improved catering and new serviceware.
- Private suites in the Business Class cabin.
- A dedicated Premium Economy section.
Business Class Private Suites
Air India’s Business Class on the A350 offers 28 private suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring each passenger has direct aisle access. These suites can be converted into fully flat beds and feature doors for added privacy, along with personal wardrobes. The airline emphasizes that it is the only non-stop carrier between India and the US offering private suites in Business Class.
Premium Economy
The A350s’ Premium Economy cabin features 24 seats in a 2-4-2 layout, designed for passengers seeking extra legroom and comfort. The airline describes this section as an “upscale” and exclusive area within the aircraft.
Economy Class
The Economy Class cabin accommodates 264 passengers, with seats offering a pitch of 31 inches, a width of 17.5 inches, and a recline of 6 inches. Each seat is equipped with adjustable headrests, a 12-inch responsive entertainment screen, and USB power outlets. Passengers also receive blankets, pillows, and full-course hot meals as part of the service.
A Comprehensive Transformation
The introduction of the Airbus A350s is part of Air India’s broader transformation to reestablish itself as a leading global carrier. The airline returned to Tata Sons’ control in 2022 after being under government ownership for 70 years. Since then, it has embarked on a significant overhaul, focusing on enhancing service quality and modernizing its fleet.
As part of this transformation, Air India has placed orders for hundreds of new aircraft. Currently, 374 aircraft remain on order, including:
- 98 Airbus A320neo
- 210 Airbus A321neo
- 19 Airbus A350-900
- 25 Airbus A350-1000
- 10 Boeing 777-9
- 20 Boeing 787-9
In an earlier interview with Simple Flying, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson acknowledged that the airline had been hampered by a shortage of aircraft. This fleet expansion and upgrade aim to address such challenges while elevating the passenger experience.