New Delhi: The Indian aviation sector is poised for a landmark moment in 2026, as two state-of-the-art aircraft—the A350-1000 and A321-XLR—are set to land on Indian soil for the first time. Both aircraft feature advanced fuel efficiency and produce nearly 50% less noise, promising passengers an exceptional flying experience. Notably, no Indian airline currently operates these models.
IndiGo Introduces A321-XLR
IndiGo’s new A321-XLR is expected to arrive in Delhi from Toulouse, France, during the first week of January 2026. The airline will deploy it on its direct flights to Athens, marking the first-ever direct connection between India and the Greek capital. The aircraft will offer business and economy class seating, operating from Delhi and Mumbai to Athens.
Air India’s Game-Changer: A350-1000
Meanwhile, Air India is set to include India’s first A350-1000 in its fleet next year. While the airline currently operates the A350-900, the A350-1000 will be its first wide-body aircraft of this model. Scheduled to serve routes from Delhi to New York, Newark, and London, this aircraft represents a significant upgrade in long-haul operations.
A Milestone for Air India
The aircraft, Boeing 67879, is expected to join the Air India fleet in the first week of January 2026. This will be the first plane delivered under the airline’s 570-aircraft order placed in 2023, specifically designed for Air India. Previous aircraft deliveries included planes originally manufactured for other airlines, such as Aeroflot, which did not take six A350s due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
These additions highlight a major leap in fuel efficiency, noise reduction, and passenger comfort for India’s aviation sector, signaling a new era for domestic and international air travel.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.