In a milestone for the revamped national carrier, Air India commenced operations of its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the busy Delhi-Dubai route from May 1st, marking the flagship plane’s international debut. With this, Air India becomes the only carrier to operate the A350 between India and Dubai.
The aircraft, painted in Air India’s bold new livery, was welcomed with pre-departure celebrations at both airports. Guests were presented with A350 memorabilia to commemorate the occasion. At Dubai International Airport, Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, joined Mr. Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, and Mr. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, in lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the A350’s first departure from Dubai.
Air India’s new A350-900 features a modern three-class cabin with 316 seats, including 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds,The introduction of the A350 is part of Air India’s massive fleet overhaul, with the airline inducting these advanced jets as part of a 470 new aircraft order placed last year after the Tata Group acquired the debt-laden carrier. Air India currently operates a total of 72 weekly flights to Dubai from five Indian cities, including 32 flights from the national capital Delhi. The deployment of the fuel-efficient A350 on this highly traveled route underscores the airline’s focus on elevating its product and service standards.
By Vinod Kumar (Dubai)