GURGRAM- Under the Tata group’s recent management and amidst ongoing global challenges, Air India (AI) has impressively expanded its non-stop weekly flights to the United States (US) to 51. This achievement underscores the airline’s strengthened position in the US-India aviation market.
Furthermore, with the addition of new Airbus A350s, which are most likely to begin US operations in the final quarter of the year will strengthen the lead taken by Indian carrier in the region.
Air India US Flights Dominance
Before the COVID-19-caused lockdown, Air India used to operate 33 non-stop flights a week to the US. But after COVID-19, the airline has added new routes and now operates 51 weekly non-stops to destinations such as New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Washington DC (IAD), Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco (SFO).
The steady increase in the number of flights between India and these US Cities makes Air India a dominant and major player on long-haul transatlantic routes.
Ameya Joshi, the aviation analyst and routes expert shared Cirium data in its Mint article.
He stated that ‘Air India’s current US routes include 34 weekly non-stop flights from Delhi (DEL), 14 from Mumbai (BOM), and three from Bengaluru (BLR) to various cities in the United States.’
Subsequently, the Gurugram-based airline maintains a significant presence in key US airports, offering a total of 18 weekly departures from San Francisco, 14 from JFK in New York, seven each from Newark and Chicago, and five from Washington. This extensive network positions Air India as a preferred choice for travelers flying between the two countries.
Competing and Winning Against US Carriers
Despite facing competition from American Airlines (AA) and United (UA), Air India has managed to carve out a niche for itself in the US-India market. United, the primary challenger to Air India on non-stop routes, has recently withdrawn from key routes, allowing Air India to further strengthen its market share.
With United’s exit from certain routes, Air India now enjoys a monopoly, particularly in the San Francisco market, where it has witnessed significant growth and demand.
As Exclusively reported by Aviation A2Z, United might start flights from Chicago to Delhi on March 29, 2025, with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
A350 will be A Gamechanger
With the launch of flagship A350 long-haul flights to new US routes and increased frequencies to existing destinations, Air India is set to solidify its position as a legacy carrier in the sector.
Air India’s A350-900 aircraft boasts a three-class cabin configuration featuring 316 seats meticulously designed by Collins Aerospace.
This includes 28 private Business Class suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with additional legroom and distinctive features, along 264 spacious Economy Class seats.
The rising demand for Premium economy and additional revenue from these seats can help Indian FSC increase its profitability on these routes.
All seats on the aircraft are equipped with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens to ensure an exceptional flying experience.
As of May 2024, Air India has 6 A350-900s and 14 more of a type will join the fleet from next year. Furthermore, Air India has 20 A350-1000s on order, and the delivery schedule is yet to be announced but one of them is under production and we will let you when it can be completed in the coming days.
Feature Image: Eurospot
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The post Air India Now Operates 51 Weekly Flights to the US and that will Increase Soon appeared first on Aviation A2Z.