Air India’s fleet modernisation programme has reached another milestone with the emergence of its third Airbus A350-1000 at Airbus’s final assembly facility in Toulouse, France. The aircraft, registered as VT-JRQ, has been spotted wearing the airline’s full livery, with its Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines installed.
The latest aircraft follows the earlier appearance of sister airframes VT-JRO and VT-JRP, highlighting progress in Air India’s ambitious fleet transformation under Tata Group ownership. The multi-billion-pound modernisation programme is aimed at upgrading the airline’s long-haul capabilities and strengthening its position in international markets.
Unlike Air India’s initial fleet of Airbus A350-900 aircraft, the larger A350-1000 variants are expected to feature newly designed premium cabins. These will include brand-new first-class suites, enhanced business-class seating and upgraded premium-economy compartments, offering passengers a more premium long-haul travel experience.
The Airbus A350-1000 is designed for long-distance operations, making it suitable for connecting Indian hubs with major international destinations. Once inducted into scheduled service, Air India plans to deploy these aircraft on ultra-long-haul routes linking India with key cities across North America and Europe.
The emergence of VT-JRQ marks another step towards expanding Air India’s next-generation widebody fleet as the carrier continues to invest in aircraft, onboard products and international connectivity.
