Air India plans mid-2024 overseas launch for A350

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Mint. The executive added that while the second A350 is joining the fleet this month, the total of six A350 deliveries will be completed by March. The airline is prioritizing ample training time for pilots, planning domestic A350 operations for the next five to six months.

In anticipation of the A350's international debut, Air India is revamping its passenger experience. First and business class travellers will be treated to new amenity kits by Italian luxury brand Ferragamo. Premium economy passengers will receive refreshed kits from the US-based Tumi brand, and even economy passengers on ultra-long-haul flights will enjoy amenity kits.

These enhancements extend beyond personal amenities. Air India is introducing refreshed bed linens, India-inspired chinaware, copper-gold serving plates for first-class guests, and lead-free Slovakian glassware. These upgrades will be available across all international flights on Air India's B777 and B787 aircraft, but the rollout will begin only when the A350 commences international flights.

For entertainment, the airline has significantly upgraded its in-flight options. Long-haul flights will now offer over 2,200 hours of diverse content, including movies, TV shows, and audio. This upgrade will be featured not only on the A350 and newly inducted B777-200LR but also on other incoming widebody aircraft.

The new in-flight entertainment features will also be available in the legacy widebody fleet of Air India, that will undergo a comprehensive $400-million retrofit programme starting in the second half of 2024. This will revamp the interiors of Air India's legacy widebody fleet, enhancing the passenger experience. This follows a substantial order placed by Air India in February 2023 for