Aviation

Discover luxurious Air India’s premier Airbus A350-900

Air India Eliminates Data Silos, Gaining a Digital Edge

Air India, the prominent global airline of India, welcomed the first of 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, registered VT-JRA, and received a grand welcome at Delhi Airport, featuring the airline’s striking new livery. This marks a significant milestone in the carrier’s transformation journey.

The A350-900 boasts a three-class cabin configuration, featuring 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats offering extra legroom and unique features, and 264 spacious and ergonomic Economy Class seats.

All seats on the aircraft are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens, promising passengers a superior flying experience.

The A350-900 is set to enter commercial service in January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarization. Soon after, it will spread its wings for longer-haul flights to destinations across continents.

Air India’s A350-900 is the first of 20 on order, with five more scheduled for delivery through March 2024. The airline has firm orders for a total of 250 new aircraft with Airbus, including 20 A350-1000.

In August 2023,Air India is unveiling a fresh global brand identity, featuring the iconic ‘Vista’ logo, symbolizing limitless possibilities and progressiveness. The new look incorporates bold colors such as Air India red, aubergine, rose gold, and accents of gold. As well as the extensive usage of customized iconography and a bespoke font.

Air India last week revealed new uniforms for its cabin and cockpit crews, designed by the famed Indian couturier, Manish Malhotra. reflecting a blend of tradition and modernity. This marks a stylish entry for the crew with the A350.

Earlier this year, Air India placed record-setting orders for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing for US$ 70 billion. from which the much-anticipated Airbus A350 aircraft will start arriving this month. A US$ 400 million project for the refurbishment of 43 of Air India’s legacy widebody aircraft begins mid-2024, which will lead to the installation of brand-new seats in every cabin, new inflight entertainment systems, and inflight Wi-Fi internet connectivity.

Air India introduces a revamped online experience with a redesigned website, airindia.com, and a new mobile app. The airline’s social media platforms have also undergone a makeover, presenting engaging content and an interactive space for guests. The new brand identity extends to airports, starting with Delhi and Mumbai, where passengers will encounter the refreshed branding at check-in counters, boarding gates, lounges, and newly designed.

Aviation

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

Etihad Reactivates Another A380 and Unveils New Route

Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

S7 Group Begins Fan Blade Production for Western Engine Models

Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.