Air India’s Inaugural Airbus A350-900 Flight Takes Off

Air India has marked a significant milestone as its first Airbus A350-900 embarked on its maiden journey, drawing the attention of aviation enthusiasts at Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) who eagerly captured images of the pristine white aircraft.

Departing TLS at 10:14 AM local time (UTC +2), the aircraft, currently registered as F-WZFZ for testing purposes, has been engaged in comprehensive evaluations as of the latest update. During testing, the aircraft achieved a peak altitude of 43,000 feet (13,106.4 meters), a height reached just south of its initial departure point.

It’s worth noting that despite its temporary test identity with Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 554, as per data from ch-aviation.com, the aircraft was not adorned in Air India’s traditional livery. Instead, it showcased an all-encompassing white exterior.

According to insights from Planespotters.net, this aircraft was initially intended for Aeroflot. However, due to the sanctions imposed on Russia and its aerospace sector in response to the unlawful invasion of Ukraine, the Russian airline could not take delivery of the plane.

During the Paris Air Show in June 2023, Air India solidified a substantial order for 250 aircraft from Airbus. The manufacturer projected that initial deliveries of the A350-900 would commence before the close of 2023. Air India anticipates receiving all six A350-900s by the year’s end, albeit outfitted with Aeroflot’s cabin configuration, as significant customization work would necessitate considerable time.

The order placed during the Paris Air Show encompassed a diverse fleet of 250 aircraft, distributed among 140 A320neo, 70 A321neo, six A350-900, and 34 A350-1000 models.

While the available Flightradar24.com data doesn’t currently display scheduled flights for Air India’s forthcoming A350s, the aviation community remains eager for further developments.