Air India A350's newest route addition - Delhi - JFK - Delhi!
Starting November 1, 2024, Air India will operate its newest generation Air India A350-900 aircraft between Delhi and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport. This has been a strategic move on the part of the carrier to upgrade its long-haul operations and improve both passenger experience and fleet capabilities.
Air India A350-900 Aircraft Details
The Airbus A350-900 combines state-of-the-art technology with increased passenger comfort. This aircraft features a three-class configuration:
• Business Class: 28 full-flat beds, private suites with direct aisle access, sliding doors for privacy, and personal wardrobe.
• Premium Economy: 24 extra-legroom seats arranged 2-4-2
• Economy Class: 264 seats, 3-4-3 configuration with ample space and comfort.
Each seat on the Air India A350-900 comes with the state-of-the-art Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, with HD screens and over 2,200 hours of movies, TV programs, music, and games.
Air India A350-900 Route and Schedule
The new A350-900s will enter service between Delhi and JFK from November 1, 2024, and between Delhi and Newark from January 2, 2025. This furthers Air India’s long-term plan for a modern fleet and better service on important international routes.
Upgraded Travel Experience
The cabin of the A350-900 is designed to give maximum comfort to passengers by assuring an optimum cabin altitude of 6,000 feet with optimal temperature and humidity. Refreshing cabin air every two to three minutes assures a much more comfortable and less fatiguing experience during flight. Further, the smoother ride and quieter cabin add to better travel comfort in this aircraft.
Air India Fleet Expansion
The introduction comes under the ambitious fleet expansion program that would see the induction of 40 Airbus A350 aircraft across its fleet. The airline is buying 34 A350-1000 variants, whose delivery will begin in late 2025. This induction into Air India’s fleet will see it become the first carrier to fly Airbus A350 series aeroplanes in India, hence bringing itself to an advantageous position in the global markets.
Air India A350-900 Delhi – JFK Ticket Prices
The ticket price for the new Delhi to JFK route on the A350-900 varies by class of service and time of booking.
Economy class fares start at about INR 73,546 round-trip.
Premium Economy: From about INR 125,508 round-trip.
Business Class: Prices can skyrocket, depending on the level of service and when you book.
In case one wants to ensure getting the cheapest flights, it is best to book ahead of time since prices vary. Another key point worthy of mention is that these fares are dynamic, and with changing demand and other parameters, these change frequently.
Operational Impact
The induction of A350-900s on these routes would therefore mean a much-needed upgrade in flying experience for its US operations. With this induction, nearly 60% of all AI flights to the US would now have either refurbished or new cabin interiors, which could further attract passenger interest seeking world-class flying between India and the United States.
Strategic Significance
The A350-900 is, therefore, being launched at a time when Air India is undertaking a serious commitment towards more comfort and service. Advanced features and passenger-friendly amenities on the aircraft will strengthen Air India’s positioning as a formidable carrier in the highly competitive U.S.-India travel market.
In a nutshell, the new Airbus A350-900 is going to be a game-changer on the Delhi-JFK route for Air India, significantly improving passenger comfort and technological inventory, thus giving a good push to the international operations of the airline. This move reaffirms that Air India is devoted to the continuous enhancement of the travel experience.
Air India A350-900 FAQ
When Will Air India A350 Fly to New York?
Air India will operate daily Airbus A350 flights between Delhi and New York from November 1, 2024. Below is the timing of the flights:
AI101: Leaving Delhi at 2.05 a.m., arrive in New York by 7.55 a.m.
AI102: Leaving New York at 1.30 p.m., arrive in Delhi by 12.45 p.m. the next day.
When Will Air India Get A350?
Air India has already taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900. The aircraft entered service on international routes in 2024, which included Dubai, London, and New York.
On which international destinations will Air India A350 fly?
The Airbus A350 is going to operate the following key international routes:
- Dubai DXB
- London LHR From September 1, 2024
- New York JFK From November 1, 2024
- Newark EWR From January 2, 2025
How many Airbus A350s does Air India have?
Air India currently flies a fleet of six Airbus A350-900s. These planes were ordered by Aeroflot but were bought from Air India after they could not be delivered to the Russian carrier due to international sanctions.
Which Routes Will Air India A350 Fly?
Apart from the initial routes to Dubai, London, New York, and Newark, the A350 is to be introduced to more long-haul destinations as per Air India’s fleet modernization and international network expansion strategy.
What Are the Seat Configurations on Air India A350?
The Airbus A350-900 features:
Business Class: 28 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 layout with PDE direct aisle access.
Premium Economy: 24 seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Economy Class: 264 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.
What Upgrades Will Air India A350 Have?
The initial six A350 aircraft have interiors originally designed for Aeroflot, with some modifications to reflect Air India branding. Future deliveries will include Air India’s new signature interiors featuring upgraded amenities such as enhanced soft products, including amenity kits and tableware.
When Will Air India’s New Soft Product Roll Out?
New soft products will roll out soon, including refreshed amenity kits and tableware that can only elevate the travel experience in the long haul.
When Will Air India A350 Fly International?
Air India’s A350 started flying internationally in 2024, operated by Dubai, London, New York, and Newark. These will grow in number during late 2024 and early 2025.
When Will Air India A350 Fly to Newark?
Beginning January 2, 2025, there will be daily non-stop services between Delhi and Newark. The timings are as follows:
AI 105: Departs Delhi at 1:50 AM and arrives at Newark at 6:55 AM
AI 106: Leaves Newark at 11:15 AM and arrives in Delhi at 11:30 AM next day.
