Airbus has seen several first deliveries in the past week: the first A321neo’s for Transavia and Sunclass Airlines, the first A220-300 for Qantas, and on Friday, the first A350-900 for Air India. The aircraft touched down in Delhi early afternoon local time on Saturday and symbolizes the new Air India. Not surprisingly, the arrival of the A350 attracted lots of attention in India.
2023 will go into Air India’s history as a pivotal year. After the acquisition by Tata Sons in January 2022, the carrier confirmed the next steps to transform Air India, with a new strategy, fleet, and identity. Newly appointed CEO Campbell Wilson announced a letter of intent for 470 aircraft in February, confirming this in June during the Paris Airshow with a firm order for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft. In August, Air India revealed its refreshed identity and livery.
Active as a journalist since 1987, with a background in newspapers, magazines, and a regional news station, Richard has been covering commercial aviation on a freelance basis since late 2016.
Richard is contributing to AirInsight since December 2018. He also writes for Airliner World, Aviation News, Piloot & Vliegtuig, and Luchtvaartnieuws Magazine. Twitter: @rschuur_aero.
