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

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.