Airlines

Air India’s 1st Airbus A350-900 Performs Maiden Flight

Air India Gets DGCA Approval to Introduce Two Airbus A350 Planes This Year

In a historic moment for Air India and the aviation industry, the long-awaited maiden flight of the 1st Airbus A350-900 aircraft has finally taken place. The groundbreaking event marks a significant step forward for the national carrier as it continues to modernize and enhance its fleet, offering passengers a new level of comfort, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

Air France takes delivery of its first A350 XWB(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Airbus A350-900 reportedly took off on its first flight, with plane spotters at Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) taking images of the white-liveried aircraft.

F-WZFZ Airbus A350-941 554 Air India #avgeek First flight of @airindia A350 pic.twitter.com/PAwr2V7aEK— DigitalAirliners (@TLSWatch) August 4, 2023

At 10:14 AM local time (UTC +2), the aircraft, which is now registered as a test aircraft and goes by the code F-WZFZ, departed from TLS and was currently conducting testing. Just south of its point of departure, it reached its peak altitude of 43,000 feet (13,106.4 metres). According to the report, the aircraft’s Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) is 554, but it was not painted in Air India’s livery. In place of that, it was painted entirely white.

By the end of the year, six brand-new A350-900s are expected to be in operation for Air India; however, because the planes were originally intended for Aeroflot, they will have that airline’s interior. Customising this will take some time.

First BelugaXL successfully completes maiden flight(Opens in a new browser tab)

The configuration will be 28 business class seats, 24 premium economy seats, and the rest 264 economy class seats since the aircraft will have Aeroflot’s interior. Due to scheduling issues and Air India‘s desire to fly these aircraft as soon as possible in order to meet its aggressive growth goals, the Indian airline primarily kept the Russian interior.

The Airbus A350-900, known for its cutting-edge design and superior engineering, promises to transform the travel experience for Air India passengers. Travelers can expect an outstanding level of luxury and leisure with a wide and comfortable cabin layout that includes the latest in ergonomic seating and entertainment systems.

First A321LR takes to the skies for its maiden flight(Opens in a new browser tab)

The inaugural flight also marks a significant turning point in the long-standing alliance between Air India and Airbus. An airplane that not only satisfies the strict criteria of modern aviation but also embodies the shared vision of innovation and advancement has been produced as a consequence of the partnership between the two giants of the industry.

Airlines

SAS Relaxes Dress Code: Flight Crew Can Wear Sneakers and Show Tattoos

In a bold move to modernize its image and foster inclusivity, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced a significant update to its uniform policy.

SAS allows flight attendants to have visible tattoos

Effective immediately, the airline’s flight attendants and front-facing employees are now permitted to display visible tattoos and wear sneakers while on duty. This decision positions SAS among a progressive group of airlines that are reevaluating and relaxing their long-standing grooming and dress code standards.

Starting today, our team members can proudly display their tattoos and wear sneakers while in uniform! This change is a part of our commitment to a modern, inclusive, and welcoming environment. 🧑‍✈️ #flysas pic.twitter.com/eGvTAJ9Lsm— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) July 1, 2024

The announcement was made on Monday, marking a departure from decades-old policies that enforced a strict and uniform appearance among crew members. This shift is part of SAS’s broader commitment to creating a more modern, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

The airline aims to reflect a diverse and contemporary workforce, thereby enhancing its appeal both to current employees and potential recruits. SAS’s new policy reflects a growing trend within the aviation industry, as airlines recognize the importance of individuality and personal expression among their employees.

Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada have also adopted

By allowing visible tattoos and sneakers, SAS joins the ranks of Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada, all of which have already made similar changes. This shift is seen as a strategic move to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

The decision to relax uniform policies is not without limitations. While SAS is embracing a more casual and expressive dress code, certain guidelines remain in place to ensure a professional appearance. Sneakers must be of an appropriate color that complements the uniform, and tattoos must not be offensive or inappropriate.

These boundaries help balance personal expression with the need to maintain a cohesive and professional brand image. For decades, flight attendants around the world have had to conform to rigid dress codes that restricted visible tattoos and mandated specific footwear.