Air India marked a significant milestone with the inaugural commercial flight of its Airbus A350-900, operating from Bengaluru to Mumbai pn Monday. The flight not only signifies the commencement of scheduled services for the A350 but also introduces the new distinctive Air India livery.
Flight AI 589, which departed on time from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, carried a nearly full complement of passengers eager to experience the revamped Air India.
The A350, showcased at the recent Wings India Global Aviation Summit in Hyderabad, provided the public with a preview of its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and unique amenities, offering a glimpse into the enhanced travel experience it promises.
Scheduled every day except Tuesdays, AI 589 departs Bengaluru at 7.05 a.m. and arrives in Mumbai at 8.50 a.m. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on domestic routes for crew familiarisation and regulatory compliance.
During this phase, passengers travelling between Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will have the opportunity to experience the cutting-edge technology featured on the A350.
The subsequent phase will see the A350 being deployed on long-haul international flights, contributing to the expansion of Air India’s growing wide-body fleet, which includes both owned and recently leased aircraft. The A350-900 is part of Air India's extensive order of 470 new aircraft placed less than a year ago.
Airbus A350-900 features
All seats are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 boasts a remarkable 20 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to similar aircraft, contributing to reduced fuel emissions and sustainable operations.
On December 23, 2023, Air India welcomed its first Airbus A350-900, registered as VT-JRA, at IGI airport in Delhi. This marked the commencement of Air India's ambitious 470-aircraft order, with a new aircraft scheduled to arrive every six days throughout 2024.
