Aerospace

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, and Inflight Features

Air India is gearing up to welcome the first of six new Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, originally planned for Russian flag carrier Aeroflot.

The Air India A350 aircraft debuted with a more exquisite appearance due to its updated red livery and traditional tail design.

Air India A350 Inflight Entertainment

These aircraft will retain the same seating layout and in-seat Panasonic Avionics in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. The Aeroflot emblem, blue seat coverings, and burnt orange headrest fabric will be replaced with a new branding and color scheme, which will be made public shortly.

Before December 25th, the first Air India A350-900 featuring the updated interior colors, materials, and finish (CMF) is expected to be delivered. The Air India A350 interior is notable for being the quietest among twin-aisle aircraft.

Passengers on Airbus A350 aircraft can enjoy a plethora of amenities such as a children’s channel, live TV, games, audiobooks, over 600 music albums, premieres, classic movies, and much more. You can also see a video from the camera mounted on the tail or a live map of your flight.

Its advanced technology ensures the highest possible air quality, with an optimized cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, as well as ideal temperature and humidity levels. The cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes, contributing to a comfortable passenger experience.

Air India A350 family aircraft

Air India has additionally placed an order for 34 A350-1000 variants, which will be fitted with new interiors directly by Airbus. These deliveries are slated to commence in late 2025 or early 2026.

The A350 Family includes two versions: the A350-900 and the longer fuselage A350-1000. A350 aircraft are known for their efficient operation on a wide range of routes, from short-haul to ultra-long-haul, covering distances of up to 9,700 nautical miles.

These planes typically accommodate 300-410 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and can seat up to 480 passengers in a single-class layout.

Airbus a350 vs Boeing 777

Depending on the model, the Airbus A350 can hold anywhere from 300 to 440 passengers. In comparison, depending on the model, the Boeing 777 can accommodate anywhere from 314 to 550 passengers.

Depending on the variant, the A350 has an impressive range of 8,000 to 9,700 nautical miles. Conversely, depending on the version selected, the Boeing 777 has a range of 7,370 to 8,555 nautical miles.

The A350 sets itself apart by using a larger proportion of composite materials, which makes the aircraft lighter and more fuel-efficient. On the other hand, aluminum alloys are mostly used in the construction of the Boeing 777.

The Airbus A350 has a modern, all-glass cockpit with cutting-edge avionics, giving pilots access to cutting-edge technology. The Boeing 777, on the other hand, has a more conventional cockpit with some contemporary features added to improve performance and safety.

Because the air in the A350 is refreshed every two to three minutes, passengers can enjoy excellent air quality thanks to the sophisticated cabin technology. Travelers can expect a comfortable and rejuvenating experience thanks to the carefully managed temperature and humidity levels.

In a similar vein, Air India is also introducing a few of the ten Boeing 777X widebody aircraft, which are also among the more sophisticated models. This aircraft has an extended range and the newest engines compared to the previous generation of the 777. Boeing upgraded the 777X to have the quietest cabin and increased fuel efficiency by using composite material instead of aluminum due to the lower weight ratio.

Air India A350 routes

Currently, Air India operates its extensive flight routes to the United States using B777 aircraft.
Flying from Delhi to San Francisco, a distance of 15300 km, takes 14.5 hours. The world has been shocked by the flight’s decision to choose the longer trans-Pacific route over the more popular Atlantic one.

Bengaluru and San Francisco are connected directly by Air India, covering a distance of approximately 13,993 kilometers. It offers long-haul service on a variety of additional routes. Currently, B777 planes operate these routes. This aircraft could eventually be flown by an A350. Alaska Airlines and Air India, which connect 32 additional US cities, also share a code.

The introduction of the A350 to the Air India fleet represents a milestone for Indian carriers. Initially, these aircraft will operate on domestic routes for several months to allow Air India’s crew to gain experience with this aircraft type under the guidance of experienced A350 pilots. Afterward, the Air India A350 routes will be deployed on nearby international routes before being used for long and ultra-long-haul flights to North American destinations.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.