Air India A350-900 business class London-Delhi

We experience the flag carrier's stunning new business class product

- TAMSIN COCKS

Background

Under government ownership for almost 70 years, Air India was reprivatised in 2022 (see our feature ‘India Skies Expand’ online). A five-year transformation programme named Vihaan.AI (meaning ‘dawn of a new era’) is in its third and final “climb” phase.

So far, the airline has debuted a striking new livery, cabin designs, lounges and tech upgrades including a new website and app. It also announced the world’s largest single order of aircraft - a whopping 470 aircraft in 2023, which was topped up by a further 100 aircraft orders in December 2024.

The first of these new aircraft, the Airbus A350-900, entered service at the end of last year. It is currently flying routes to London, New York and Newark - with a world-class new business class product.

Boarding

I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 2 at 0530 for the 0845 departure of flight AI 162 to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Air India is in discussion with Heathrow to open its own lounge but, for now, business class passengers can choose from fellow Star Alliance carrier lounges Singapore Airlines (recommended) or United.

Cabin crew gave passengers a beaming “namaste” greeting upon boarding, dressed in vibrant red uniforms created by designer Manish Malhotra that mix tradition with modernity, while traditional Indian tunes played in the background. Crew addressed me by name with friendly service.

The cabin crew escorted me to seat 4A and excitedly told me to check out the new tailfin cameras for takeoff and landing on the IFE system - the high definition and multiple angles will have avgeeks hooked.

Welcome treats included Laurent-Perrier Champagne (or juice), comfy TUMI pyjamas (size up for a relaxed fit as the bottoms are tapered), and amenity kits by Ferragamo in a beautiful mandala-esque pouch - inside was a leather case with body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, socks and eye mask.