Today, Aeroflot proudly received its first-ever A350 XWB from Airbus in Blagnac, Greater Toulouse. The jet was unveiled with an all-white livery, standing out from the other silver planes in its fleet. However, it's not just its exterior that was shown off. There was plenty to admire in the cabin of the flag carrier of Russia's new addition.
Aeroflot's crew members were ecstatic about having a new widebody to fly the skies with. Photo: Airbus
First impressions
Simple Flying had the honor of attending the delivery ceremony of the highly-anticipated long-haul plane. In what was an exciting event, we managed to get close to the features that the A350-900 has to offer. The warm lighting and mature tones of the decor instantly gave me a warm feeling when stepping into the business class after entering the aircraft.
The omission of the middle baggage bin in the business class noticeably gives more space in the cabin, especially with the A350's considerable height. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Business travelers situated by the window could be placed in one of two types of configuration. The seats at the front are right next to the cabin wall. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
The second configuration has the storage area next to the window. Here is an example of how drinks can be stored in the beverage compartment. There is also a mirror to help you look fresh before stepping off. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Suite life
There are 28 private business class suites with full-flat beds and sliding doors. These are placed in a 1-2-1 configuration. Personally, my favorite spot was a suite next to the window but with the actual seat next to the aisle. However, there will no doubt be plenty of passengers preferring the suites that have the seats propped up against the window.
The middle business seats are boxed in a way to offer a feeling of intimacy. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
The suites with sliding doors reminded me of my time in Qatar Airways' Qsuite. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
There is another storage compartment next to the IFE screen in business class. The wood-like finish on the furnishings gives an extra touch of class. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Aeroflot's business class has a three-point harness to brace passengers in. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
There is plenty of space to stretch your legs. With the option to slide the door shut, there will be several business class passengers managing to lay back and catch some sleep while in the air. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Useful features
There are also several other aspects of the cabin that will also make it a delight to travel in - especially long-haul.
The Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screen helps to bring the action to life. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Passengers in the center seats can slide the middle partition to enable greater privacy. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Three different levels of lighting offered by the A350's electronic window shades. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Aeroflot has opted to install a small kitchen area in between business and premium economy. Photo: Sumit Rehal - Simple Flying
Throughout the cabin
Behind the mini kitchen area, there are 24 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 formation, which Aeroflot calls its Comfort Class.
The extra legroom shows why the carrier has gone with the name of Comfort Class. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
The Collins Aerospace seats throughout the cabin provide consistent comfort, no matter what class you're in. Additionally, the airline's color scheme matches well with the calming yet classy ambiance of the aircraft. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Last but not least on the Aeroflot Airbus A350 is the economy cabin. Photo: Sumit Rehal - Simple Flying
Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Aeroflot's pilots will no doubt be looking forward to operating the newest member of the airline's fleet. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Ready for action
Altogether, Aeroflot has placed an order for a total of 22 A350-900s. It also holds 107 A320 family and 19 A330 family aircraft. The airline is in the company of 50 other firms who have placed orders for the widebody.
Aeroflot has been banned from flying in Europe. Photo: Sumit Rehal / Simple Flying
Aeroflot will fly the jets from Moscow to several international destinations including London, Dubai, New York, Miami, Osaka, and Beijing. Other Chinese destinations will eventually be on the cards, along with flights to Delhi.
Additionally, an Aeroflot spokesperson has shared that Singapore will be an added route for the aircraft from October. Passengers on these services are in store for some extra comfort on their long-haul trips!
What do you think of Aeroflot's A350 XWB? Are you looking forward to trying out the brand new aircraft? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
