Air India Gears Up for Airbus A350 Introduction and Announces Massive Aircraft Orders

Air India is eagerly preparing to usher in the Airbus A350 aircraft into its fleet later this year, and the airline has already commenced extensive training for its flight crews. As reported by the Hindu BusinessLine, Air India is leaving no stone unturned in preparing its pilots, cabin crews, and engineers to operate the advanced Airbus A350. To familiarize themselves with the new aircraft, the employees of the now-privatized airline have been visiting various facilities, with pilots actively engaging in simulator sessions and engineers from other Air India group airlines undergoing specialized training to maintain the A350.

The much-awaited arrival of the first Airbus A350s is expected by the year-end, following Air India’s confirmation of 40 options for this cutting-edge aircraft during the Paris Air Show in June 2023. Notably, this event also saw Air India firming up orders for an impressive fleet, including 140 Airbus A320neo and 70 A321neo aircraft.

In addition to its collaboration with Airbus, Air India made headlines by finalizing orders for a staggering 290 Boeing aircraft during the same Paris Air Show. The Boeing order comprises 190 737 MAX, 20 787, and 10 777X, with options for an additional 50 737 MAX and 20 787s.

The upcoming Airbus A350s set to join the Air India fleet were initially intended for Russia’s Aeroflot. However, due to supply chain constraints, Air India’s Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson announced that the airline will retain Aeroflot’s cabin layout. The Russian airline was unable to take delivery of the aircraft due to sanctions imposed on Russia’s aerospace sector following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

With its expansion plans taking flight and the introduction of state-of-the-art Airbus A350s, Air India is positioning itself for a promising future in the competitive aviation market. The airline’s commitment to upgrading its fleet and capacity underscores its determination to offer exceptional service and maintain its status as India’s de facto flag carrier.