Air India, under Tata ownership, has unveiled plans to deploy its Airbus A350 aircraft on its first international route. The airline, which has kept this move closely guarded, has revealed that the Airbus A350 will commence operations to Dubai from its New Delhi hub.
The transition has already started reflecting in booking engines, with the airline replacing the B787 Dreamliner on AI995 and AI996 flights. Departing from Delhi at 8:45 PM and arriving in Dubai at 10:45 PM local time, AI995 will mark the beginning of this new service. The return flight, AI996, will depart Dubai at 12:15 AM and reach Delhi at 4:55 AM, with operations scheduled daily starting May 01 from Delhi and May 02 from Dubai.
Air India’s A350-900 boasts a three-class configuration accommodating 316 passengers: 28 in business, 24 in premium economy, and 264 in economy. The airline has received four of these aircraft in India, while Airbus Orders And Deliveries data indicate that all six have been delivered, originally intended for Aeroflot. However, due to geopolitical tensions resulting in sanctions on deliveries, Air India acquired these planes. Despite maintaining the same configuration as Aeroflot’s order, Air India ensured complete removal of Aeroflot branding from the aircraft. The planes have undergone extensive domestic runs since January for crew training and familiarization.
The airline also unveiled its enhanced onboard experience earlier this year at Wings India, featuring new amenity kits, bedding, and tableware for the A350-900 international rollout. Business and First class amenity kits will be provided by renowned Italian luxury fashion house Ferragamo, while premium economy class will feature TUMI kits. Economy class amenity kits will be available only on ultra-long-haul flights. Additionally, Air India’s TUMI loungewear made from recycled materials will be provided to premium passengers, along with upgraded linens and cabin blankets.
Furthermore, dining experience enhancements include tiffin box-shaped salt pepper sets and exclusive copper-gold thalis for Indian meals in First class. Competition with Emirates on this route is anticipated, with Air India’s deployment aiming to enhance competitiveness and potentially raise fares.
With the A350 deployment to Dubai announced, attention now turns to Air India’s future long-haul network expansion to fully experience the airline’s new offerings.
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