Air India Enhances US Service with New Airbus A350-900s on JFK and Newark Routes

Air India is set to elevate its service on key U.S. routes by deploying the new Airbus A350-900 aircraft for flights from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to both New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The airline has heralded the A350-900 as its “flagship” aircraft, signaling major enhancements in passenger experience and operational efficiency.

In 2024, Air India took delivery of its first six A350-900 units, which were initially used domestically and on flights between DEL and Dubai to meet regulatory requirements and facilitate crew training. Following successful short-haul operations, Air India announced the introduction of the A350-900 on 14 of its 17 weekly flights to London Heathrow starting September 1.

The expansion continues with the aircraft set to service daily flights to JFK starting November 1, and from January 2, 2025, the A350-900 will also operate five times a week to Newark. This marks a significant upgrade from the Boeing 777s currently used on these routes.

Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, emphasized the positive passenger feedback from the A350’s domestic runs as a key factor in extending its use to the New York routes, stating, “This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement.”

The A350-900 is configured into three classes, accommodating a total of 316 passengers with 28 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 264 in economy class. The aircraft’s introduction is part of Air India’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet; the airline has an additional 34 A350s on order, including 20 of the larger A350-1000 variant.

Air India’s network also includes flights to other major U.S. airports such as Chicago O’Hare, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles, with a total of 51 weekly flights between India and the U.S. The airline will continue operating the Boeing 777-300ER on all flights from Mumbai to both JFK and Newark.

This strategic deployment of the Airbus A350-900 underscores Air India’s dedication to enhancing connectivity and service quality on its long-haul routes, particularly between India and the United States, promising an upgraded flying experience for its passengers.