Air India's Maiden Airbus A350 Takes Ferry Flight From Singapore To Toulouse
Air India on Friday informed that it operated its first ferry flight of its A350-900 aircraft having its new livery. The flight was from Singapore to Toulouse.
The Tata Group-owned airline has ordered six A350-900 planes and five of them are scheduled for delivery through March 2024. On 29 September, Air India said it has completed the acquisition of its first A350-900 aircraft by way of a finance lease transaction with HSBC through GIFT City.
"Our @Airbus A350-900 takes off on its first ferry flight from Singapore to Toulouse in the new Air India colours," Air India said in a post on X on Friday.
The first two A350 planes received their livery in Toulouse, France. According to a senior official at Air India, the aircraft's livery has been painted in Singapore, and it is currently en route back to Toulouse for additional processes before the scheduled delivery in December 2023.
The Tata-owned Air India has outlined ambitious expansion plans, with an order for 40 Airbus A350 aircraft set to be integrated gradually in the upcoming years.
"Total 40 Airbus A350s on order (6 A350-900s and 34 A350-1000s). First A350-900 is expected in December 2023, and the remaining 5 A350-900 expected by March 2024," the Air India official noted.
Air India has solidified its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and 220 new Boeing flights, collectively valued at USD 70 billion at list prices.
This strategic move comes as the airline aims for a turnaround under its new ownership - Tata. Air India secured purchase agreements for these aircraft with Airbus and Boeing during the Paris Air Show in June of this year.
