Air India Unveils New Airbus A350 Jets: A Major Leap in Rebranding and Service Upgrades

In July, Air India revealed plans to introduce its Airbus A350 jets to Newark and JFK Airports within a few months. This announcement is part of a broader rebranding effort for the Indian national carrier. The airline, acquired by the Tata Group conglomerate two years ago, is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of former Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson.

Last year, Air India placed an order for 470 new aircraft, including 40 A350s. One of these new jets was showcased at the Farnborough Airshow in July. The updated business-class suites, new premium economy seats, and a revamped economy cabin mark a substantial shift for the airline.

Here’s an overview of the new Air India:

At the Farnborough Airshow, Air India presented one of its newly acquired Airbus A350 jets. Initially used primarily for short-haul flights between Delhi and Mumbai, this jet will cease to operate on this route after August 31. It has also made several trips to Dubai.

The A350 is central to Air India’s rebranding initiative as it aims to evolve from its outdated, government-owned status to a more contemporary and efficient operation. During the airshow summit, CEO Campbell Wilson disclosed that Air India currently has 30 aircraft grounded due to a shortage of spare parts, which the previous owner could not afford. “So we’re robbing parts off other aircraft to keep the remaining fleet flying,” Wilson explained.

He further noted that much of the airline’s effort has been focused on “rehabilitating those aircraft into a flyworthy state and bringing in new aircraft with a modern product.” Wilson projected that by next April, 80% of Air India’s fleet will meet modern standards.

The A350-900 displayed at the airshow was only three months old. Wilson commented, “Representing the new India, and the quality thereof, is well on pace.”

The new business class impressed me particularly. Previously, Air India’s business class was akin to premium economy with a 2-3-2 layout. The new configuration features a 1-2-1 layout, providing direct aisle access for every passenger. The suites now include sliding doors and dividers for added privacy.

Wilson emphasized the significance of India’s expanding middle class, suggesting that the airline’s enhanced premium product aligns with this demographic shift. The business-class suites sport a sleek, understated design originally intended for Aeroflot. Due to sanctions, Airbus was unable to deliver these seats to the Russian airline, enabling Air India to obtain six A350-900s more swiftly than anticipated.

The suites offer lie-flat beds measuring 6 feet 7 inches in length, roomy footwells, and convenient buttons to adjust the seat position automatically. Unlike Air India’s previous business class, which only inclined rather than laying flat, the new seats provide a more comfortable experience. Passengers also receive Ferragamo amenity kits and Tumi pajamas.

The in-flight entertainment system features a 21-inch screen with a variety of Bollywood films, Western movies, Taylor Swift albums, and games. For those interested in reading, the magazine offers engaging travel writing. The cabin includes ample storage space and a small bar at the end, though it was not stocked during my visit.

The A350 also features a new premium economy cabin with 24 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. Premium economy passengers are welcomed with a hot towel and drink, noise-canceling headphones, and Tumi amenities. Although the armrest levers allow for manual recline and legrest extension, the absence of a footrest was somewhat unexpected.

As a person who is 5 feet 9 inches tall, I found the legroom sufficient, but taller passengers might have more comfort with the legrest. The economy cabin is configured in a 3-3-3 layout. While some A350 models accommodate 10 seats abreast to maximize capacity, the nine-abreast configuration reduces the likelihood of ending up in the middle seat. Air India states that the 264 economy seats are 17.52 inches wide, which is typical for the industry.

I was pleased with the legroom available, with a pitch of 31 inches, matching Air India’s older Boeing 777 jets. The seats recline up to six inches and feature adjustable headrests that can slide up and fold at the sides. This feature is increasingly common among major airlines, though Taylor Rains found a broken headrest on an older Air India Boeing 777.

Air India plans to commence A350 flights to New York’s JFK Airport on November 1, with Newark routes starting on January 2. Additionally, a route to London Heathrow is set to begin on September 1. The flight duration from Delhi to New York is approximately 15 hours, while the journey to London takes just under 10 hours.

Wilson also mentioned the potential for network expansion, stating, “The opportunity now is for India to build an aviation hub.” He noted that India’s geographic location is similar to that of “the superconducting airlines in the Gulf and elsewhere.”