There has been a 3x increase in business class bookings on international flights. On long-haul USA-India routes, many travelers now choose premium cabins like Premium Economy and Business Class. The leading operator on the route, Air India, is also planning to add more premium seats as part of its broader expansion plans. 

Air India nonstop flights remain a popular choice for convenience, though recent airspace restrictions have added to travel time. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways continues to attract those seeking luxury through its Qsuites. This article explores Qatar Airways Qsuites vs Air India business class on the Airbus A350, helping you decide what’s best for your trip. 

Qatar Airways QSuites vs Air India Business Class in A350

A350 Fleet

When adding widebody aircraft to their fleets, most airlines are now opting for Airbus A350 for operational flexibility, superior fuel efficiency and of course passenger comfort. Qatar Airways was the launch customer and largest operator of A350, having 58 A350 jets in service and 18 on order. Meanwhile, Air India fleet only has 6 Airbus A350s in service and 44 are on order.

Award-Winning Business Class Airline

Qatar Airways has been winning the title of “World’s Best Business Class” for nine consecutive years now at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards. From lounges to inflight services, Qatar Airways offers the best business class product. Air India, on the other hand, is trying to enhance its business class offering after the takeover by Tatas. 

While Air India Boeing 777 is often criticized for its older aircraft, broken seats, sub-par inflight entertainment system and 2-3-2 seating configuration. The new Air India A350 business class offers spacious business class seats and cleaner cabins. Although many believe the Qatar Airways QSuites are still better. 

Best Business Class Seat

When traveling, comfortable and spacious seats are what passengers need. Qatar Airways takes a lead here as the airline’s QSuite has been awarded “World’s Best Business Class seat” by Skytrax. According to a passenger who flew from Dallas to Delhi via Doha, Qatar Airways A350 Qsuite has 46 seats. 38 in the front cabin and 8 more behind the business class entry. The 1-2-1 layout ensures each passenger gets direct aisle access. The footwell is generous, the spacious Qatar Airways business class seat transforms into a fully flat bed with 180° recline and doors ensure complete privacy. 

While Air India business class seats on Boeing 777 were significantly older and criticized, the seats on the new Airbus A350 aircraft are well-received by passengers. The business class cabins in Air India A350s have 28 seats, all of which fit between the front and second doors. When compared to Qatar Airways, Air India has a smaller business class cabin but follows the same 1-2-1 layout. Air India passengers in business class also get a 79” full flat bed with privacy doors, making it a perfect private suite.

Award-Winning Airport Lounge

Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Lounge- The Garden at Hamad International Airport has been named the World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge at the Skytrax Awards 2025. The lounge offers exceptional services for passengers traveling from the USA to India via Doha. Open 24/7, it features a spa, quiet rooms, fitness center and fine dining options. What sets it apart is access to the world’s first Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno, reserved for Qatar Airways business class and first class travelers. Qatar Airways has also partnered with many airport lounges in USA and India to offer business class travelers a comfortable airport experience.

Air India lounges are available both in India and USA. The Air India Maharaja Lounge at JFK Airport is located at Terminal 4 and is open for business class passengers from 10:30 AM to 8 PM. It offers standard lounge facilities, including comfortable seating, complimentary food, internet access and accessibility support. Air India has also partnered with other premium lounges like Swissport Lounge at Chicago O’Hare and SAS Lounge at Newark Liberty to offer passengers lounge experience. As the Maharaja Lounge at Delhi’s T3 is under renovations, the airline has partnered with Encalm Privé lounge. 

Nonstop Flights from USA to India

Qatar Airways does not operate nonstop flights between the USA and India. Instead, it offers one-stop connections via Doha from major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Atlanta, Houston, New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Miami. Travel time depends on the layover in Doha. For example, flight 702 / 578 from New York JFK to Delhi takes around 18 hours 25 minutes, while flight 704 / 578 on the same route can take up to 29 hours 5 minutes.

Air India takes the lead as the primary operator of nonstop flights between India and the USA. The airline currently flies nonstop to New York JFK, Newark, San Francisco, and Chicago. However, flights between Washington and India will be suspended starting September 1. Air India has also reduced frequencies on some USA-India routes, while recent airspace restrictions have extended travel times on others. A JFK-Delhi nonstop still takes about 15 hours 30 minutes, but one-stop options can stretch the journey to nearly 20 hours 15 minutes.

*Qatar Airways and Air India operate A350s on select routes, but aircraft type is subject to change as per airline policy.

Best Airfare Between USA and India 

Air India is often the more affordable choice for business class travelers. For example, a one-way Air India business class ticket from JFK to DEL on October 8 costs about $3,772 on IndianEagle.com. On the same date, a Qatar Airways business class ticket for the same route is around $6,134. Air India also has the advantage of a nonstop flight, while Qatar Airways offers a one-stop connection via Doha.

If you want a budget-friendly nonstop flight, Air India is the right choice. But if luxury lounges and world-class cabins matter more, Qatar Airways is hard to beat. Qatar Airways Qsuites vs Air India Business Class, which one would you choose for your next USA-India trip? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Contact the Indian Eagle customer service to find out the best available business class deals on USA-India routes. You can choose the deals that fit your budget and preference. 

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IndiGo is one of the biggest airlines in India and has the largest domestic market share. Despite this, the carrier is leaving no stone unturned to increase its presence in the international market, especially in the USA. In line with its commitment to boost international operations, IndiGo had placed an order of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft April 25. And the first widebody A350 aircraft is set to join the IndiGo fleet in 2027. 

The widebody aircraft order by IndiGo costs a whopping $9 billion. The Airbus A350-900 has been gaining popularity not just among airlines but aviation enthusiasts and passengers as well. The iconic aircraft, powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engine will redefine IndiGo’s capabilities and strategic positioning globally. 

Enhanced IndiGo Fleet for International Expansion

IndIGo is expanding its fleet to offer more flights to major international destinations. It seeks to become a prominent player on the global stage. IndiGo aims to leverage the new fleet to start offering direct flights to USA and Europe. At present, Air India is the only Indian Airline offering nonstop flights between USA and India. With an increase in demand on the most popular route, IndiGo plans to expand its international flight operations on USA routes. 

Indigo is set for substantial growth, with ambitious targets set for the next decade. The airline aims to double its size by 2030. This will be propelled by the addition of new domestic and international routes. The new order for widebody aircraft builds upon IndiGo’s earlier commitment to Airbus. In a way, it also solidifies its position as a key player in the global aviation industry. Moreover, with a focus on operational efficiency, IndiGo plans to optimize the utilization of its widebody and narrow-body aircraft to meet growing demand and enhance its market presence.

How does IndiGo’s strategic investments reflect its commitment to passenger service?  

The strategic investments for the IndiGo fleet underscore the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and connectivity to its passengers. With a robust order book that includes a mix of A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR aircraft, the airline is ready for sustained growth well into the next decade. 

If you are traveling from USA to India, you can get cheap IndiGo flight tickets with Indian Eagle. It is a reliable flight booking company that has been offering the best airfare to the Indian diaspora for 15+ years. So, why wait? Book your Indian Eagle tickets today! 

What are your views on Airbus A350-900 being added to the IndiGo fleet? Do you think the A350 has become the most sought after jet? Comment below and let us know about your thoughts on the iconic A350.

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For the last quarter of 2023, Air India has been making a lot of changes and adding new services to further improve its operations. The airline announced that it would reinstate its long-grounded fleet this month. The Air India AI assistant also received positive responses from the passengers. The Air India-Alaska Airlines’ interline partnership is also expected to enhance its connectivity on the popular USA-India route. And now the Air India Airbus A350 is set to start operations from January 2024. 

The airline has previously ordered four Airbus A350 aircraft and with one of them joining the Air India fleet from next month, it will become the first Indian airline to operate it. Although it is expected to offer connectivity on long-haul routes, it might still not fly from the USA to India or vice versa. This particular Airbus A350 will also feature the new Air India livery but the new interiors will only be seen from August next year. 

Also Read: Air India’s New Airbus A320neo Arrives in Delhi to Offer Passengers an Enhanced Flight Experience

About Air India Airbus A350 Aircraft

Air India Airbus A350s are advanced widebody aircraft that are efficient for long haul routes. With a spacious design, the jet offers higher ceilings, wider seats and ambient lights. Although this aircraft will first be operational in the domestic sector, it will soon be available for Air India flights on the longer routes. 

Generally Airbus A350 is available in two variants, and this particular aircraft is the Airbus A350-900. The airline has three more A350-900 jets that are not operational. The other variant is the world-class Airbus A350-1000. Air India has placed an order for 34 of these jets, which it shall receive in the coming years. Airbus A350 aircrafts’ advanced cabin technology not only offers passengers high quality air but it also provides proper humidity and temperature control.

Air India offers seamless nonstop flights from USA to India. If you are traveling on this popular route, you can book Indian Eagle tickets and get the best airfare for your trip. And who knows, when the airline starts operating the Air India Airbus A350 aircraft on the USA-India route, you might experience its world-class services first-hand.

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As the demand for travel has increased, several top airlines in the world have started expanding their fleet. Be it Emirates, one of the world’s safest airlines or Indigo, India’s popular and affordable airline, carriers have added new and enhanced aircraft to further enhance passenger experience. In another largest airline fleet expansion update, Indigo and Air India, two of India’s top airlines have ordered new aircraft. 

10 Airbus A320neos Added to Indigo’s Order

IndiGo, India’s leading airline, continues to make headlines in the aviation industry, and its latest move is nothing short of impressive. The airline has added 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft to its already substantial order of 300 planes placed in 2019. This strategic decision has taken the total number of aircraft on order for IndiGo to nearly 1,000, showcasing its largest airline fleet expansion plans.

While IndiGo eagerly anticipates the arrival of these aircraft, it proudly holds the title of having the largest fleet among all Indian airlines. The fleet currently boasts 327 aircraft, although nearly 40 of them remain grounded due to the worldwide supply chain disruptions impacting Pratt & Whitney engines.

Stepping Up the Game: Air India’s Expansion

While IndiGo makes headlines, another major player in the Indian aviation sector, Air India, is also spreading its wings. Air India is set to induct two Airbus A350 aircraft this year, a move that has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce engines, promising a sophisticated and efficient flying experience.

Air India, under the guidance of the Tata Group, is on a mission to revitalize its operations. In February, the airline placed a monumental order for a staggering 470 aircraft, a combination of Airbus and Boeing planes. This ambitious order includes 40 A350-900/1000 planes, marking a significant step towards modernizing its fleet.

A Transformation in Progress

The acquisition of these two A350 aircraft is just the beginning of Air India’s transformation. By the end of March 2024, the airline expects to have a total of six A350 planes in its fleet. This ambitious expansion aims to position Air India as a formidable contender in the Indian aviation landscape. Furthermore, it is also a leading carrier offering international flights between the USA and India.

Also Read: Air India Premium Economy Class Benefits for Travel from USA to India

Air India’s Diverse Fleet Orders

Air India’s fleet enhancement program covers a wide spectrum of aircraft types. Their Airbus order comprises 210 A320/321 Neo/XLR and 40 A350-900/1000, while the Boeing order includes 190 737-Max, 20 787s, and 10 777s. This diverse mix of aircraft underscores Air India’s commitment to offering passengers a range of travel options while maintaining operational efficiency. If you are planning to travel with Air India, you can book Indian Eagle tickets for a seamless experience.

The Indian aviation industry is witnessing significant developments, with both IndiGo and Air India taking substantial steps in the largest airline fleet expansion. These strategic moves reflect their confidence in the future of air travel in India, promising more choices and improved services for passengers.

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