Air India’s First Airbus A350 Lands in New York JFK

Air India marked a significant milestone on November 1, 2024, as its Airbus A350-900 completed its first transatlantic flight from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This event highlights Air India’s expanding international service and commitment to enhancing its fleet with advanced aircraft, as it prepares to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market.

The A350-900, departing from Delhi at 02:49 local time, touched down at JFK after approximately 15 hours in the air, landing at 07:47 local time. This inaugural transatlantic journey with the A350 showcases the airline’s aim to upgrade long-haul operations while meeting growing passenger demand between India and the United States. It also aligns with Air India’s strategy to deploy newer, fuel-efficient widebody aircraft for intercontinental routes.

This historic journey follows Air India’s initial deployment of the Airbus A350-900 on a domestic route, with the first flight between Bengaluru’s Kempegowda Airport (BLR) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (BOM) on January 22, 2024. Following the success of its domestic operations, Air India has expanded the A350’s reach to high-demand international routes.

The airline has announced plans to extend its A350 service in the United States. Starting January 2, 2024, Air India will add a new A350 route between Delhi and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Both the JFK and Newark flights will offer Air India’s newly introduced Premium Economy cabin, which features 24 seats with enhanced legroom and a dedicated cabin space. This addition reflects Air India’s efforts to provide more comfortable and flexible travel options for international passengers.

A spokesperson for Air India celebrated the achievement, stating, “Our A350 is NYC-bound for the first time ever! Now enjoy the all-new Air India experience when you fly between Delhi and New York JFK.” With this service, Air India brings a more modern travel experience to the long-standing Delhi-New York route.

In addition to the new A350 flights to JFK and EWR, Air India operates a robust schedule of long-haul flights to the United States, connecting Delhi with major cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco. These routes currently use Boeing widebody aircraft, which have been the cornerstone of Air India’s long-haul fleet. However, the airline’s transition to Airbus A350s represents a step toward modernizing its fleet, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions.

Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, expressed optimism about the airline’s upgraded service. “We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback on our domestic A350 deployment and are excited to extend this experience on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes,” Wilson said in a statement. “This expansion is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations and underscores our commitment to continuous improvement.”

With the addition of Airbus A350 aircraft on U.S. routes, Air India is poised to compete more effectively in the transatlantic market while offering passengers a refreshed, enhanced flying experience.

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