Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Air India boosts global connectivity, adding ultra-long-haul US flights with new A350s, B777s, aiming to cater to travelers’ needs efficiently.
Air India is gearing up to expand its horizon for global travelers by launching additional ultra-long-haul flights, chiefly targeting key destinations in the United States, as it bolsters its fleet with new A350 and B777 aircraft, according to industry insiders. This move by the Tata Group-owned carrier, which is amidst operational streamlining that includes the anticipated merger with Vistara, aims to cater to the growing demand from passengers in the aviation industry for direct connections from Indian cities to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas, sources familiar with the matter disclosed.
Presently, Air India is the exclusive carrier from India servicing the US market, providing connections to Washington, New York, Newark, San Francisco, and Chicago. Insiders shared with PTI that the airline is eyeing the winter schedule of 2024-25 to kickstart its services to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
The strategy involves utilizing A350 planes for the Seattle route, while opting for B777 aircraft for flights headed to Los Angeles and Dallas. These planned services are categorized as ultra-long-haul flights, characterized by their duration of over 16 hours, offering global travelers more options for direct and comfortable travel. Beyond enhancing US connectivity, Air India is also considering deploying B777s exclusively on its flights to London Heathrow from Delhi and Mumbai, following the induction of two additional aircraft into its fleet. This is a strategic shift from the current use of B787s for these routes.
Furthermore, sources indicate an upcoming launch of services to London Gatwick from Bengaluru next month, utilizing a Boeing Dreamliner, thereby increasing options for passengers within the aviation industry seeking direct flights to the UK. An airline official underscored that while the pursuit of new destinations is a continual objective, it is contingent upon various factors, including the critical availability of pilots and crew, emphasizing the complex logistics involved in expanding service offerings to meet the needs of global travelers.
In a significant move last year, Air India placed orders for 470 planes with Airbus and Boeing, signaling a robust commitment to enhancing its service capacity and addressing the evolving demands of passengers in the global aviation industry.
Tags: air india, Airbus, Boeing, Dallas, Los Angeles, seattle, US flights
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
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