Air India recently launched flights on the Delhi-Dubai route using its new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, as stated by the airline. This marks the international debut of Air India’s newly acquired planes, making it the exclusive carrier operating the A350 between India and Dubai.
To celebrate the commencement of these flights, pre-departure ceremonies were held at both Delhi and Dubai airports, where guests were presented with A350 memorabilia. According to Air India’s statement, the A350-900 aircraft features a three-class cabin configuration with a total of 316 seats. This includes 28 private Business suites, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 264 Economy seats. All seats are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and entertainment systems.
The Airbus A350-900 is a long-range passenger aircraft capable of accommodating 300-350 passengers in a three-class setup. It has an impressive range of 15,000 kilometers. Airbus highlights that the A350 is powered by two Trent XWB turbofan engines, which are the result of a close collaboration between Airbus and Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer. The Trent XWB incorporates the latest technology and materials, benefiting from over 70 million hours of in-service experience with various Trent versions in airline operations.
Currently, Air India operates a total of 72 flights per week to Dubai from five Indian cities, with 32 flights originating from Delhi. This further solidifies Air India’s strong presence in the region. The airline had placed a historic order for 470 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, to be delivered over the next five years. The induction of A350s into Air India’s fleet began earlier this year as part of this order, with a total of 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft included.
With a non-stop flight duration of 16-17 hours and its competitive advantage in long-haul travel, the A350-900 is expected to enhance Air India’s position in the market. Its fuel efficiency is also noteworthy, burning 25 percent less fuel than its predecessors.
