Lucknow Stock：In Photos： Inside Air India’s New Airbus A350
The static display featured Air India’s recently acquired A350-900 aircraft at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft presented was VT-JRH, their sixth A350 in the fleet. This new-generation plane displayed a version of AI’s latest cabin design. However, the experience of flying in the new Maharajah class still needs to be fully revealed. So, before we hop onboard, let’s find out why.
In 2023, Air India, the national airline of India, introduced a refreshed brand image to mark its reintegration into the TATA Group. This makeover included the launch of new uniforms, a redesigned livery, and the announcement of several new aircraft orders. Air India plans to update its fleet by adding Airbus A350s (including the -900 and -1000 models), Boeing 777Xs, and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It will soon also merge with Vistara.
The airline acquired Airbus A350 aircraft initially intended for its Russian counterpart, Aeroflot. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, Aeroflot could not deliver these aircraft. To expedite the delivery process, the airline retained the aircraft interior but modified the fabrics and color palette to reflect its brand image and identity better.
For our readers who collect registrations, the unique aircraft to look out for are:
VT-JRA VT-JRB VT-JRE VT-JRF VT-JRH VT-JRI
As press members, Simple Flying journalists were invited to visit the Air India aircraft – a unique opportunity to capture the rebirth of one of Asia’s legacy flag carriers.Lucknow Stock
The media tour participants waited for airline representatives in front of the aircraft, which was painted in the brand new livery—bold red titled “AIR INDIA” with a golden swoosh going from underneath the nose to the tail.
The group climbed the staircase and stepped through the cabin’s front door. They were warmly welcomed by attentive staff members eager to showcase the new business class product. They also demonstrated some of the upcoming first class amenities and provisions on the business class seat.
The initial detail that immediately caught our attention was the ambiance created by the mood lighting. It was illuminated in the colors of the Indian flag, effectively setting the tone for both the destination and the cultural experience that awaited us onboard.Mumbai Wealth Management
Passengers traveling in this class can expect privacy with suites featuring sliding doors, a high-res screen, a touchscreen remote control, and a lie-flat bed. For those looking to get some shut-eye, the cushion rolls out to become a mattress!
Gone are the 2-2-2 seats that do not offer direct aisle access, replaced with a more intimate 1-2-1 configurationNew Delhi Investment. The seat chosen for this cabin is the Collins Aerospace Horizon, of which the cabin has 28.
There is ample storage, with a small wardrobe available to put away jacketsBangalore Wealth Management. This innovation ensures that there won’t be clutter while lying back.
Located just behind the business class section, after doors 2, you’ll find the all-new premium economy class. This section features a spacious 2-3-2 configuration, allowing passengers extra comfort and space.
Each seat has recliners that enable passengers to adopt a relaxing lounging position, enhancing the overall flight experience. According to Aerolopa, the seats are 24 Collins Aerospace MiQs.
The seats in this class may resemble economy class at first glance, but upon closer inspection, passengers will notice additional features that set them apart. However, the real differentiator is the exceptional service offered in this class. Like business class, passengers can expect a premium dining experience complete with cutlery, although the meals may not be served on traditional ceramic plates. Nonetheless, visually, the dining experience will still exude a sense of luxury and exclusivity.
In the aircraft’s aft section, you will discover the economy class seating directly following the premium economy area. These seats are specifically Aspire models manufactured by Collins Aerospace. The seating configuration features 264 seats arranged in a 3-3-3 layout.
In this section, the airline places a strong emphasis on sustainability without compromising on comfort. The seats are designed to be lightweight, enhancing passenger comfort and contributing to fuel savings. Additionally, the meals are served with cardboard cutlery, a conscious effort to reduce pollution by minimizing the use of plastics. It’s important to note that this sustainability focus increases the quality of the service. Similar to the offerings on previous Air India flights, passengers can still expect to enjoy delicious Indian cuisine on their journey to their final destinations.
Air India has done a commendable job customizing Aeroflot’s hard product to make it their own. The cabin design seamlessly integrates the airline’s identity, and there are no visual indications of its previous ownership. The attention to detail is such that most passengers would not even realize that the aircraft is not fresh off of the assembly line.
New Delhi Stock Exchange
