(TAN): Aeroflot has presented its inaugural Airbus A350-900, becoming the first operator in Russia of the world’s most advanced widebody passenger aircraft. The presentation ceremony took place on March 4 at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.
The addition of the A350 to Aeroflot’s fleet adds a new level of sophistication to the Russian flag carrier’s customer service, which receives plaudits from industry and passengers alike. As well as a distinctive new livery to match the outstanding product on board the A350, the aircraft features a brand new cabin design offering unrivalled passenger comfort.
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Vitaly Saveliev, CEO of Aeroflot, said, “We are welcoming the world’s most advanced long-haul aircraft to our fleet. The long-awaited A350 will take our passenger offering to a new level across service classes. In addition, the A350 also offers an entirely new level of fuel efficiency. As you know, Aeroflot’s fleet is the youngest of any major carrier worldwide. With the arrival of this new aircraft, new possibilities open up for developing long-haul routes and a new level of comfort for passengers. Long-haul is a highly competitive segment, so it is particularly important that we acquire additional competitive advantages in the markets where demand is highest.”
The new aircraft will make its first passenger flight on 6 March, and will support a significant expansion of Aeroflot’s route network. Aeroflot will take delivery of 11 A350s by the end of 2020, and operate them on new routes from Moscow to Osaka and Singapore. The Russian flag carrier also plans to operate the advanced widebody on other popular routes including Delhi, London, New York, Miami and Tel Aviv.
The new aircraft further strengthens the Russian flag carrier’s offering on key transit routes to Asia from Europe and North America. Aeroflot offers convenient and fast East-West transit options through its hub at Sheremetyevo, with total travel times up to three hours shorter than those of competitors in Europe and Asia.
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Aeroflot’s A350 has a spacious three-class cabin layout with 316 seats: 28 private business class Suites, including 2-metre full-flat beds; 24 Comfort economy seats with extra legroom; and 264 Economy class seats. The Suites offer an unprecedented level of comfort for business class, rivalling the first-class cabins of most major carriers. As well as a high level of privacy and personal space, the Suites also come fitted with a 54cm screen. The Business class cabin also has a bar offering an extensive range of drinks and snacks.
The A350 has an advanced lighting system with colour changes according to the stage of the flight. In addition to the latest generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, HD screens and Wi-Fi connectivity will ensure an enhanced experience for all passengers on long-haul flights. Economy and Comfort class offer increased legroom and seat pitch. The spacious cabin, reduced noise and adaptive lighting create a relaxing atmosphere for passengers on board.
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Aeroflot has introduced a new livery for its A350 fleet. The Russian tricolour on the keel beam has been expanded, with an unfurled flag also adorning the wingtips. The underside of the fuselage is now painted silver rather than dark blue, and bears the name of the airline.
Aeroflot’s inaugural A350 is named after the composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The 180th anniversary of the composer’s birth will be celebrated on 7 May 2020.
