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

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air unveils cabin crew uniforms

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has unveiled its first-ever fashion collection in collaboration with renowned Saudi fashion designer Ashi, founder of the Parisian couture house ASHI Studio.

The debut took place during Haute Couture Week in Paris, showcasing Riyadh Air’s new lifestyle collection for its frontline team members.

The exclusive fashion line includes dozens of looks for both men and women, with 15 designs revealed at the prestigious fashion event. The luxurious Riyadh Air concepts presented in Paris feature timeless cashmere outerwear, dresses, and trousers made from fine wools, custom leather footwear, amethyst earrings, and iconic pillbox hats.

Saudi fashion designer has taken inspiration from the 1950s

The collection draws inspiration from 1950s airline fashion, widely regarded as the ‘golden age’ of aviation, while incorporating bold, modern styling for a future-forward brand.

For the new fashion line, Ashi has cultivated completely new color tones for the looks,
including the chic and elegant Electric Amethyst for womenswear, and Dark Amethyst for
menswear, of which the full collection is scheduled for launch early next year.

The unique amethyst shades pay homage to Saudi Arabia’s stunning lavender fields and are rooted within Riyadh Air’s primary color. The Saudi fashion designer took inspiration from the
Riyadh Air aircraft livery to deliver completely bespoke colors for the new timeless
collection. They were also carefully designed to complement the cabin interiors which will
be revealed later this year.

Ten womenswear looks were showcased on the Paris runway, each of which were
complemented by accessories such as trademark shoes and hats. Five menswear looks
were also unveiled during the first-of-its-kind Haute Couture Week showcase.

Riyadh Air will take its first flight in mid-2025

The fashion collection, to be worn by Riyadh Air cabin crew, pilots, concierges, and airport
agents, can be changed seasonally, keeping the looks fresh all year round.

Riyadh Air is on track to make its maiden flight in 2025, revolutionizing the future of air
travel through a premium aviation experience for both guests and team members. With
an unwavering dedication to cutting-edge thinking and innovation, Riyadh Air aims to set
new standards in the industry.

Airlines

These are the Top10 World’s Best Economy Class Airlines for 2024

In an increasingly competitive aviation industry, the quality of an airline’s economy class can significantly influence passenger satisfaction and loyalty.

Each year, Skytrax, a leading global air transport rating organization, conducts extensive passenger surveys to determine the World’s Best Economy Class Airlines. These rankings are highly anticipated, offering valuable insights into which airlines excel in providing comfort, service, and overall passenger experience in economy class.

For 2024, Skytrax has unveiled its latest rankings, highlighting airlines that have demonstrated excellence in delivering exceptional value and comfort to economy class travelers around the globe.

10 Best Economy Class Airlines 2024

1.Cathay Pacific Airways

2.Qatar Airways

3.Singapore Airlines

4.Japan Airlines

5.EVA Air

6.ANA All Nippon Airways

7.Emirates

8.Hainan Airlines

9.Turkish Airlines

10.Saudi Arabian Airlines

Virgin Atlantic,Garuda Indonesia, Delta Air Lines, Air France, Fiji Airways, Oman Air, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, STARLUX Airlines

Cathay Pacific has been honored as the World’s Best Economy Class Airline for 2024 by Skytrax, with Qatar Airways securing second place and Singapore Airlines claiming third. Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Cathay Pacific, expressed gratitude for the airline’s customers, whose support propelled them from 8th to 5th place overall.

Lau emphasized that achieving a top-five position and securing the prestigious economy class award underscored their commitment to exceeding customer expectations. Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific remains dedicated to further elevating its service standards and aspiring towards industry leadership.