Air India to deploy its flagship A350s on US routes from November, BA

Air India has announced a significant enhancement to its US operations, with the introduction of its flagship A350-900 aircraft on the Delhi-New York JFK route from November 1, 2024, and on the Delhi-Newark route from January 2, 2025. This move marks a major step forward in transforming the passenger experience on these key routes.

For the first time, Air India will offer a Premium Economy class on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. The A350’s Premium Economy cabin features 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing extra legroom and enhanced comfort in a dedicated, upscale cabin.

The A350 aircraft will feature business class with 28 private suites with full-flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration, direct aisle access, sliding privacy doors, and personal wardrobes. Additionally, the A350 flights will showcase Air India’s new signature soft products, including updated chinaware, tableware, glassware, bedding, and amenity kits designed by Ferragamo and TUMI for Business and Premium Economy guests.

Commenting on the development, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, stated, “We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our A350s. This is a significant leap forward for our US operations that underscores our commitment to continuous improvement. The new seats, inflight entertainment systems, and soft products will provide our guests with comfort and service representative of the new Air India. We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travelers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States.”

With the deployment of the A350, 60 per cent of all Air India flights to the US will feature new or upgraded cabin interiors. The airline has progressively replaced its legacy aircraft on other US routes with newer models, featuring upgraded seats and inflight entertainment systems. This includes the Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 777-300ER, which are now operating on routes to San Francisco, New York JFK, and Newark. Since the beginning of 2024, Air India has taken delivery of six A350-900 aircraft, with 34 more on order, including 20 A350-1000s. These aircraft have been initially deployed on domestic routes and the Delhi-Dubai route for regulatory compliance and crew familiarization. From September 1, 2024, Air India will start flying the A350-900 to London Heathrow from Delhi.

Currently, Air India flies to five points in the United States: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco, operating 51 weekly flights.