Air India has launched another long-distance flight to the US, this time between Mumbai and San Francisco. The airline operates several US flights, mostly from New Delhi, but with more long-range planes on the way, new routes like this will feature on its network soon.
First ever nonstop service between Mumbai and San Francisco
On December 15th, Air India launched its first nonstop service between Mumbai (BOM) and San Francisco (SFO). The flight lasted for almost 16 hours and was operated by the newly acquired Boeing 777-200LR (VT-AEF, named Vihaan), which formerly flew for Delta Air Lines.
Flight AI 179 left Mumbai at 14:30 and landed in San Francisco at 17:26 after flying for 15 hours and 48 minutes. It will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and take Air India’s India-US frequency to 40 nonstop flights per week.
The occasion was marked with a launch ceremony at Mumbai airport involving lamp-lighting and cake and ribbon cutting. Passengers on the flight were also treated to a specially curated goodie bag by Air India.
The airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, said,
“As part of our five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, we plan to significantly enhance connectivity between India’s major cities and prime global destinations. The non-stop flight between India’s financial capital and Silicon Valley is a step towards achieving enhanced customer experience. With the launch of this route, we will have a weekly availability of 40 non-stop flights that will bolster India’s connectivity with the USA.”
Mumbai gets more love
For the longest time, passengers from Mumbai had been asking for more direct flights to the US. However, a lack of widebody capacity prevented Air India from increasing its network. But with the new management getting its grounded planes repaired and short-leasing many more, the airline can finally start new services like BOM-SFO.
Photo: Shutterstock
Air India already operates nonstop service between Mumbai and Newark (EWR) and will also start Mumbai-New York City (JFK) from February 14th, 2023. And that’s not all! Mumbai is also set to receive more direct flights to Europe, with Air India also announcing flights from the city to Frankfurt and Paris, competing with Lufthansa and Air France, respectively, on these routes.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister of the state of Maharashtra said,
“Today is a great moment for the people of Maharashtra, as Air India bridges the distance between Maharashtra and San Francisco … I appreciate Air India launching its service from Mumbai and eagerly await the launch of their other locations from the city.”
Expansion
Air India’s latest flight is part of its larger expansion plan as a private carrier. The airline is expected to announce huge orders of up to 500 panes soon and will add several widebody aircraft in the coming months.
It has also allocated a budget of $400 million to refurbish its entire legacy widebody fleet, comprising 27 Boeing 787 and 13 Boeing 777 aircraft.
Photo: Shutterstock
This process will include a complete overhaul of existing cabin interiors, including the addition of latest-generation seats and best-in-class inflight entertainment across all classes. The airline will also introduce premium economy cabins on both fleets and retain first class cabin on the 777s.
Looking at the larger picture, the BOM-SFO flight seems like the tip of the iceberg, as Air India clearly has many more long-haul flights planned in the years to come.
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Air India
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- AI/AIC
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Year Founded:
- 1946
- Alliance:
- Star Alliance
- CEO:
- Campbell Wilson
- Country:
- India