Aerospace

First glimpse of Air India Airbus A350 is trending on Twitter

The Air India A350, which had its initial unveiling at Toulouse, France’s Workstation, is now ready for its engine test.

This aircraft, with registration VT-JRA (MSN 554 / F-WZFZ). It proudly displays the Air India livery and has successfully undergone engine testing during the evening run-up.

@NunoSeletti uploaded the latest photos to his Twitter account. The striking and recently designed aircraft’s red livery. The engine of the recently built aircraft is undergoing testing.

Will Air India utilize aircraft from the Aeroflot model?

The first aircraft is reportedly brand-new and not an Aeroflot Airlines model. Since this aircraft is significant to Air India, Airbus would not risk any disappointment.

Le tout premier #A350 d'@airindia VT-JRA (MSN 554 / F-WZFZ) portant maintenant la livrée Air India à effectué un point fixe (essais moteurs) en fin de soirée ! 🇮🇳#VTJRA #FWZFZ #Airbus pic.twitter.com/CcphnNn1SE
— ©Icare Spotter 📷 / Seletti Nuno (@NunoSeletti) October 31, 2023

Before the year is out, Air India is expected to receive its first Airbus A350. The first aircraft to fly with the airline’s new livery. AI Express, the low-cost division, will soon reveal its new livery.

The airline anticipates having five or six A350s by March of next year. Prior to being utilized for long-haul North American routes and international destinations. The first A350 will first run on domestic routes.

Air India will run a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. This order represents the purchase of A350, B787, and B777x aircraft. It is regarded as one of the largest in aviation history.

.@Airbus offers dimmable windows as an optional feature on the #A350. @Boeing offers these on the #B787 and I find them quite cool. The 6 #A350-900 to be inducted by @airindia may arrive with them as these aircraft were originally meant for Aeroflot (SU) and SU has dimmable… pic.twitter.com/hLvfRad8og
— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) October 31, 2023

Air India (AI) anticipates having a fleet of five to six A350s this year.

Air India is preparing to deliver an Airbus A350. The first aircraft to feature its new livery, to the Tata Group airline before the end of the year. Later this month, AI Express, the company’s low-cost division, will also reveal its distinctive livery.

The Tata Group’s airline has taken delivery of two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. They are currently undergoing painting for the creation of a large low-cost carrier (LCC). Which resulted from the merger of AirAsia India.

By March of the upcoming year, Air India (AI) anticipates having a fleet of five to six A350s. The first one experienced a slight delay due to the seat manufacturer’s requirement for additional testing on a few seats. Within this year, AI anticipates incorporating one or two A350s into its fleet.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

Pakistan's National Airline Set for Privatization as Elections Loom

The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.