Air India is the only Indian airline currently operating flights to the United States, with services to Washington, New York, Newark, San Francisco, and Chicago. As part of its consolidation efforts, including a proposed merger with Vistara, Air India is looking to expand its U.S. operations by launching direct flights from Indian cities to Seattle, Los Angeles, and Dallas in the winter schedule. Last year, Air India placed a big order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing to support its growth plans.
The new ultra long-haul flights to the west coast, expected to be over 16 hours in duration, will likely use Air India’s new Airbus A350 aircraft for Seattle and Boeing 777 aircraft for Los Angeles and Dallas.
In addition to new U.S. routes, Air India is considering deploying all Boeing 777 aircraft for its flights from Delhi and Mumbai to London Heathrow once it receives two more 777s. The airline will also commence flights from Bangalore to London Gatwick using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft starting next month.
Air India’s growth strategy aims to strengthen its position as India’s flagship international carrier.