Air India prepares for arrival of first Airbus A350-900 amid ambitious expansion plans

Air India is “tentatively scheduled” to receive the country's first A350 aircraft tomorrow, September 23, according to a company official who spoke to Republic. On December 20, Air India teased a “Coming Soon” video to welcome its first A350 aircraft.

New stories…New routes…New experiences…and much more.

Stay tuned!#FlyAI #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/aqEvnm2UZu

— Air India (@airindia)

The Tata-owned airline last month confirmed the operation of the first ferry flight of its A350-900 from Singapore to Toulouse, showcasing the aircraft in its new livery, symbolising a fresh chapter for Air India.

The airline took to X to share the exciting development, stating, "Another step closer to the arrival of India's most-awaited aircraft. Our Airbus A350-900 takes off on its first ferry flight from Singapore to Toulouse in the new Air India colors."

Another step closer to the arrival of India’s most-awaited aircraft. Our @Airbus A350-900 takes off on its first ferry flight from Singapore to Toulouse in the new Air India colours.

Track the aircraft live on @Flightradar24: https://t.co/T5w2CUkfqq

#FlyAI #A350 pic.twitter.com/HRGNcMFF8F

— Air India (@airindia)

In November 2023, Air India said that the aircraft's livery was painted in Singapore, and it is currently en route back to Toulouse for additional processes before its scheduled delivery in December 2023.

Air India has outlined ambitious expansion plans, having ordered a total of 40 Airbus A350 aircraft, including six A350-900s and 34 A350-1000s. The remaining five A350-900s are expected to be delivered by March 2024.

The management is yet to finalise the routes for the A350 aircraft, with initial plans to deploy them on domestic routes for crew familiarisation purposes.

Earlier this year, Air India confirmed a significant order for 470 jets with Airbus and Boeing.

The A350-900 aircraft boasts a brand-new, elegant cabin design with a spacious three-class layout, featuring 28 private Business Class suites, 24 Comfort Class seats, and 264 Economy Class seats. The aircraft is equipped with the Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, HD screens, and Wi-Fi connectivity, according to aviation news portal Live From A Lounge.

Air India has indicated that the A350-900 will feature a business class with 28 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering direct aisle access from all business class seats. The premium economy will have a 2-4-2 configuration, and the economy will follow a 3-3-3 configuration.