The first Airbus A350-900 for Air India has completed its maiden flight, flying for almost three hours over southern France. The aircraft is currently in a plain white paint job and yet to be decorated with the Air India livery.
The aircraft with registration number F-WZFZ, took off from Toulouse at 10:14 on August 4 for a three hours flight over the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle, and Bordeaux, before touching down back in Toulouse at 13:06.
The aircraft was supposed to go to Aeroflot, but then was passed to Air India as sanctions came into effect. Air India expects to receive at least six new A350-900s towards the end of 2023. However, the interiors of the aircraft will be designed as per Aeroflot as the aircraft was originally destined for the Russian carrier.
The aircraft cabin’s configuration will be 28 business class seats, 24 in premium economy, and the remaining 264 in economy class. The only reason behind Air India selecting these planes is for faster delivery to match the airline’s expansion plans in months to come.