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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.