DALLAS — Air India (AI) has unveiled plans to deploy its new A350-900 aircraft on routes from Delhi to New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR), marking a significant upgrade to its U.S. services.
The A350 will begin operating daily flights between Delhi and New York from November 1, 2024, followed by five weekly flights between Delhi and Newark starting January 2, 2025.
Premium Economy Across the Pond
This deployment introduces the carrier's Premium Economy class on these transatlantic routes for the first time. The A350 will feature 24 Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, offering extra legroom and enhanced amenities. The aircraft will also boast 28 private Business class suites with full-flat beds and 264 Economy seats.
All cabins will be equipped with the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, providing over 2,200 hours of content.
The flights will showcase AI's new signature soft products, including updated chinaware, tableware, bedding, and amenity kits designed by luxury brands Ferragamo and TUMI.
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, emphasized that this move represents a significant improvement in the airline's U.S. operations and demonstrates their commitment to enhancing customer experience.
Air India's Triple Seven Upgrades
In addition to the A350 deployment, AI has been upgrading its fleet on other U.S. routes. The airline now operates Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with upgraded interiors on most flights to San Francisco, and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on Mumbai to New York and Newark routes.
With these changes, 60% of AI's U.S. flights will feature new or upgraded cabin interiors.
Air India currently operates 51 weekly flights to five destinations in the United States: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.