24 January,2024 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun Choudhari
Air India Airbus A350/ Special Arrangement
Air India on January 22, launched its maiden scheduled commercial flight with India's first Airbus A350-900--also the first aircraft in the new bold airlines' livery. Initially, the aircraft will be deployed on domestic routes for crew familiarisation and regulatory compliance but will later deployed for long-haul flights.
Presently, passengers from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai will be able to experience flying in the Airbus A350--part of the 470 new aircraft order that Air India placed less than a year ago.
"Flight AI 589 departed on time (7:05 AM) from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on January 22 bound for Mumbai arriving on time at 8:50 AM, carrying a near-capacity load of passengers who were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the new aircraft," said an official from Mumbai Airport.
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A passenger deboarding at Mumbai airport while talking to midday said, "The experience of travelling in the new aircraft was amazing. I was one of those lucky people to experience the first flight of the aircraft. I hope this new aircraft is soon made available for international flights."
Swapnil Sardeshpande, an aeronautical engineer and aviation enthusiast said, "The weather is dull but the spirits are high as we board this beauty (A350-900) to Mumbai. Such a beautiful experience witnessing the dawn of a new era in Aviation."
"The aircraft was on static display at the recent Wings India Global Aviation Summit in Hyderabad, where the public got a first glimpse of the IFE and distinct inflight amenities that will form part of the experience once the aircraft begins its international operations," said an official from Air India.
Another official informed mid-day that the airline welcomed 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered VT-JRA, was welcomed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport of Delhi on December 23, 2023. The flights had come from the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. AI 589 will operate every day of the week barring Tuesdays, departing Bengaluru at 7.05 am and landing in Mumbai at 8.50 am, the official said.
Satyaki Raghunath, an official from BLR airport said, "It was fantastic to see so many AVGeeka (aviation geeks or enthusiasts) on the January 22 morning waiting to get on the first commercial flight of Airbus A350-900."
He added, "It was a mesmerizing site to witness the AirIndia Airbus A350 (VT-JRA) as she taxied out and departed on Runway 09R at BLR Airport on her first revenue flight on January 22."
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, in a previous statement, said, "This moment marks a red-letter day for all of us 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."
"As a symbol of the new age of flying, the A350 promises a world-class, long-haul travel experience on our non-stop routes, providing an unparalleled level of comfort. Its excellent flight economics and state-of-the-art technology underscore our dedication to commercially successful operations and to achieving our sustainability goals," Wilson added.
