Air India is set to launch its new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two U.S. routes soon. The airline will start operating the new plane daily on New York JFK-Delhi flights from Nov. 1st and five times a week on Newark-Delhi flights from Jan. 2nd. This deployment will introduce Air India’s premium economy class on these routes, with 24 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing extra legroom and wider seats than economy.
Premium Features
The Airbus A350 aircraft also boasts 28 suites in business class, complete with full-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each suite offers direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors, and a personal wardrobe for added comfort and privacy. The economy class cabin consists of 264 seats in a 3-4-3 layout.
All seats on the A350 will come equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens showcasing entertainment content from around the world. With this new aircraft deployment, 60% of all Air India flights to the U.S. will feature new or upgraded cabin interiors, enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Current Fleet
Currently, Air India operates its three-class Boeing 777-200LR on nonstop flights between India (Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru) and San Francisco, with upgraded cabin interiors except for the Delhi-San Francisco route, which operates thrice weekly. The Boeing 777-200LRs feature 28 suites in business class, 48 premium economy seats, and 212 economy seats.
In addition to the A350 and Boeing 777-200LR, Air India operates a three-class Boeing 777-300ER on all flights to Mumbai from New York JFK and Newark. This aircraft includes eight first-class suites, 40 full-flat beds in business class, and 280 seats in economy. Air India currently serves five U.S. gateways: New York JFK, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
By expanding its fleet with the new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, Air India aims to offer enhanced services and premium features to passengers traveling on its U.S. routes. With a focus on comfort, luxury, and entertainment, the introduction of the A350 will elevate the overall flying experience for travelers flying to and from India and the United States.