Air India welcomed the first of 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft on 23 December sporting the airline’s latest livery.
The widebody aircraft, registered VT-JRA, arrived in New Delhi at 13:46 (local time) after the delivery flight from the Airbus facility in Toulouse.
With the latest delivery, Air India is now the first carrier in the country to operate the A350. The aircraft will enter commercial service in January 2024 and will initially be operated domestically for crew familiarisation.
Air India has 20 Airbus A350-900 on order, with five more scheduled for deliveries through March 2024. The airline’s firm orders with Airbus this year amounting to 250 aircraft also include 20 A350-1000.
“This moment marks a red-letter day for all of us at Air India,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and managing director at Air India.
“The A350 is not just metal and engines; it’s the flying embodiment of the relentless efforts of all Air India employees towards our airline’s continuing transformation and of our commitment to setting new benchmarks. It is also, in many ways, a declaration of Indian aviation’s resurgence on the world stage.”