After the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash in June, netizens are googling – what is the best and safest aircraft in the fleet of Air India? The Tata airline placed multibillion-dollar orders for 570 new aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. Only six brand-new A350-900 planes have joined the fleet so far, while the first B787-9 from the Boeing order will be delivered soon. Since December 2024, Air India has been operating A350-900 flights without complaints. Our customers’ reviews on Air India’s A350 travel experience adjudge this aircraft as the best and safest in the fleet.
A350-900: Best and Safest Aircraft in Air India Fleet
Currently, A350-900 is not just the newest but also the best and safest aircraft in Air India fleet for long-haul flights, to say between USA and India. Few aircraft can rival Airbus A350, a most advanced, widebody jet which is even bigger than Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A350-1000 is longer than the latest Dreamliner variant, B787-10. At present, six A350-900s are operational for Air India flights from New Delhi to New York JFK, Newark EWR, and London Heathrow.
Not only Air India, but also its partners and rivals are cashing in on either or both variants – A350-900 and A350-1000. Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways are leading operators of A350 flights. Among top 10 airlines that fly from USA to India, Emirates received its first A350-900 in January 2025, with more 64 A350-900 planes to be delivered. 47 A350-900 and 1000s will be delivered to Lufthansa Group Airlines by 2031. Air India’s domestic rival IndiGo is expecting delivery of 40 Airbus A350 planes starting mid-2027 for its international expansion plans.
What makes A350 the best aircraft in Air India fleet
- Lightweight Structure: Over 70% of its airframe is made from titanium, aluminum, and composite materials, making the aircraft lighter and stronger.
- Fuel Efficiency: Uses up to 25% less fuel than older wide-body aircraft, reducing emissions and operating costs.
- Sleek Aerodynamics: The 64.75 m wings with morphing technology improves lift and lowers drag during flight.
- Engine: Equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB, the most efficient large aero-engine today, delivering high reliability, modular maintenance, and fuel savings.
- Airspace Cabin: Features the quietest twin-aisle cabin in its class, wide seats, larger windows, straight sidewalls, high ceilings, and spacious overhead bins for enhanced comfort.
- Optimized Cabin Environment: Maintains a comfortable cabin altitude of 6,000 feet with air renewed every 2–3 minutes through HEPA filtering.
- Advanced Lighting: Full LED ambient lighting supports customized lighting scenarios (e.g., sunrise/sunset), which help reduce passenger fatigue and jet lag.
- Connectivity & Entertainment: A350 was the first aircraft delivered with in-flight connectivity, offering high-speed satellite Wi-Fi, plus high-definition IFE, with screens up to 13″ in economy—on entry into service.
Air India A350 Economy Class
The A350-900 has improved the way Indians from the US used to travel in Air India’s Economy cabins until December 2023. The aircraft ticks all the boxes for your elevated comfort on Air India’s economy class flights to Delhi from New York, Newark, and London. The A350-900 economy cabins feature 264 cushioned seats in a 3-3-3- configuration, each offering 31-inch pitch, 17.5-inch width, 6-inch recline, and adjustable headrests for added support during long journeys.
Air India’s A350 economy class has seats equipped with a 12-inch HD touchscreen featuring the Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, loaded with over 2,200 hours of content. The airline provides screen-free audio content for kids on A350 flights. It has increased the comfort quotient for economy class passengers seeking Indian Eagle budget flight deals.
Air India A350 Premium Economy
Air India’s Premium Economy cabins on A350-900 planes offer a value-for-money experience. If sophistication of flying, comfort at 40,000 feet, and budget flight deals are your priority, the A350 Premium Economy is the best bet for your intercontinental travel. It has 24 super cozy seats with 38-inch pitch, 18.5-inch width, 8-inch recline, and four-way adjustable headrests for customized comfort. Arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, the seats have comfortable leg rest with a foot paddle.
The above is why Air India’s A350 Premium Economy is a preferred choice for elderly parents’ travel from India to USA for much less than business class tickets. The seats come with a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen, USB-A charging, universal power outlets, and personal reading lights. Priority check-in and early boarding are among the perks, in addition to TUMI amenity kits and upgraded dining on premium tableware.
Air India A350 Business Class: Luxurious Private Suites in the Sky
What makes A350-900 is the best aircraft in Air India fleet is the new-age business class with luxurious suites, full-flat beds, sliding doors, personal wardrobes, and under-seat storage. Flying in Air India’s Business class on A350-900 gives a glimpse into the airline’s ongoing transformation. It has 28 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration offering direct aisle access to all passengers. Each suite has a convertible 79-inch full-flat bed built on the Collins Aerospace Horizon platform.
The perks of booking business class flights on Air India’s A350-900 include gourmet meals served on bespoke Ferragamo-designed tableware, a 21-inch HD Panasonic eX3 screen with noise-cancelling headphones, and an in-cabin humidifier. Everything from a vanity mirror to universal power outlets, tail-camera views, and top-notch Ferragamo amenity kits are meticulous additions to your luxury and comfort above the clouds.
