Air India's Airbus A350 takes to domestic skies Starting January 22, 2024

Tata's Air India has officially announced the commencement of commercial operations for its Airbus A350 aircraft on January 22, 2024. The airline has opened bookings for the domestic flights operated by the A350.

Initially, the A350 will be deployed on domestic routes for crew familiarisation and regulatory compliance. Passengers flying from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will have the chance to experience the Airbus A350's features and technology. The airline plans to expand the aircraft's operations to longer-haul international flights in the future.

Weekday A350 routes

The schedule for these flights, effective on the mentioned date, encompasses a well-structured timetable throughout the week. Notably, Flight AI589 will connect Bengaluru to Mumbai, departing at 0705 Hrs and arriving at 0850 Hrs, followed by routes from Mumbai to Chennai (1005 Hrs - 1205 Hrs) and Chennai to Bengaluru (1320 Hrs - 1430 Hrs), all operating daily except Tuesdays. Additionally, Flight AI587 will cover Bengaluru to Chennai (1600 Hrs - 1710 Hrs), Chennai to Hyderabad (1830 Hrs - 1940 Hrs), and Hyderabad to Bengaluru (2110 Hrs - 2220 Hrs), also running daily except Tuesdays. Furthermore, Flight AI868 and AI869 will operate exclusively on Tuesdays, connecting Bengaluru to Delhi (0740 Hrs - 1030 Hrs) and Delhi to Bengaluru (1900 Hrs - 2150 Hrs).

On December 23, 2023, Air India received its first Airbus A350-900, registered VT-JRA, at IGI Airport, Delhi. This marks the arrival of the first widebody aircraft from Air India's substantial 470-aircraft order. The A350-900, equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, is 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than similar aircraft, contributing to sustainable operations.

Amenities on board

The A350-900 features a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats, including 28 private Business suites, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 264 spacious Economy seats. All seats are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens.

As part of its ongoing transformation under Vihaan.AI, Air India has introduced a new global brand identity and unveiled a collection of uniforms designed by Manish Malhotra. The cabin crew and pilots will begin wearing these new uniforms with the introduction of the A350.