Take a look inside Air India’s ex-Aeroflot A350s, flying from London soon

One of the aircraft on display at the Farnborough International Airshow this year was Air India’s new A350-900. These are the first to arrive from the airline’s 470-odd aircraft on order as it undergoes an almost-complete transformation of its fleet.

There is just one oddity. Although these are brand new aircraft, they were originally destined for Russian airline Aeroflot. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European sanctions meant that Airbus was no longer able to deliver these to Aeroflot and so they were picked up by Air India instead.

As a result, the cabin interiors are based on Aeroflot, rather than Air India’s, specifications. That means the seats are not representative of what Air India’s fleet will eventually look like, but it was good to get a look inside as these A350s will start operating flights to London Heathrow from September.

Air India’s A350 business class cabins

These early A350s feature a relatively small business class cabin of just 28 seats, plus 24 in premium economy and 264 in economy.

The business class seat is based on the Collins Aerospace Horizon seat. Collins is more well-known for its Elevation and Elements herringbone seat (the basis for BA’s Club Suite) so this is a rare sighting of their staggered product.

Everyone is forward facing in a 1-2-1 layout. Centre pairs feature retractable dividers:

There are some nice touches with this seat. There is a very large storage unit at head height:

I particularly liked the shoe-storage drawer. I would definitely use this:

It’s also rare to get your own little personal wardrobe:

In-seat power includes 110v mains power as well as USB-A ports, but no USB-C. There is a 21″ screen:

Behind the business class cabin you’ll also find a very smart looking premium economy cabin in a 2-4-2 layout:

Meanwhile, Air India has also upgraded its soft product in the form of new bedding, new amenity kits and new glassware, china and cutlery.

Air India’s A350s are coming to Heathrow

Starting on 1st September, 14 of the 17 weekly Heathrow to Delhi flights – two per day – will be operated by the A350-900s, whilst 90% of all Air India flights from Heathrow will offer new or upgraded interiors.

The A350 will operate on the following flights:

• AI162 departing London Heathrow at 09:45 and arriving in Delhi at 22:50
• AI161 departing Delhi at 02.45 and arriving in London at 07:30

and

• AI112 departing London Heathrow at 13:15 and arriving in Delhi at 02:05 the next day
• AI111 departing Delhi at 06:45 and arriving in London at 11:30 the same day

From a frequent flyer perspective, Air India is a member of Star Alliance so you can earn and redeem miles via any of the Star Alliance frequent flyer schemes including, of course, Air India’s own Flying Returns.

With British Airways and Virgin Atlantic predominantly, but not always, running a Boeing 787 with their oldest business class seats on the Delhi route, there is real potential for Air India to pick up market share.