Review of Air India flight from Mumbai to London in First

While deciding on which airline to try on my flight from Mumbai to London, I saw that Air India had swapped out their old 777s with ex-Etihad 777-300ERs which were on a long term lease. I booked the flight months earlier using 109,000 KrisFlyer miles on the Singapore Airlines website. This was a much better deal than what Air India offered through their own loyalty program (Flying Returns). 

AIRPORT

I received a phone call early in the morning from Singapore Airlines and a text message and email from Air India stating that my flight had been delayed by 2 hours. This gave me some more time to enjoy the city of Mumbai and some more time in the lounge. I was greeted at gate 1 in Mumbai airport by Air India staff who escorted me to the check-in counter. I initially booked seat 2K but was swapped to 1K as my previously selected seat was not working. 

After a seamless check-in process, I was escorted straight through priority security and immigration (accessible for all first and business class passengers). I then proceeded to the Adani lounge which had a separate section for First class passengers. The section had a few large chairs and a small dining area. I was offered an A la carte menu but I chose the buffet as I had just eaten a hearty breakfast.

Air India's A350-900XWB

Boarding

A few minutes before boarding I was picked up from the lounge by Air India staff and taken to the gate. 

I boarded the 11 year old Air India (ex-Etihad) Boeing 777-300ER VT-AEO. 

The aircraft has a 3 class configuration with 8 seats in First Class. My seat for today's 9 hour hop to Heathrow was 1K

The cabin remained untouched from it's previous owner, apart from the IFE system.

I was offered a refreshing pomegranate juice and a cold towel, which was much needed during peak Indian summers. 

A TUMI amenity kit was provided, which was the same as the one offered in business class.

After pushing back, it was a quick taxi to the runway and we were off to London, almost 3 hours late.

Only 3 passengers today in First.

after takeoff

A virgin mojito and some nuts served shortly after takeoff

Since the flight was delayed, the crew swapped the meal services and offered the main meal later on in the flight, however since it is dine on demand, I could choose either way.

I was served both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, the former included paneer tikka, a sort of closed pizza and a beet kebab

The latter included fish tikka and mutton kebab, however the sauce provided was a little too sweet for my liking

Along with the amenity kit, I was offered TUMI pajamas which were very comfortable.

The amenity kit was well stocked

The crew offered to make the bed which was accompanied by a thin mattress and a soft and comfortable duvet.

The doors in the cabin close to create more privacy in the suite.

Green tea and a bowl of popcorn mid flight

After a quick nap and a movie, I was served a second meal which started off with some smoked salmon and mashed potatoes

Followed by a full Indian thali. Unfortunately I have had better Indian food on Air India itself on my flight earlier this year to JFK.

I ended the meal with a cheese plate.

Soon after we started descending into London. Unfortunately the aircraft did not feature a moving map on the IFE system. Air India have started installing their new IFE system on these 777s and should be done by the end of the summer.

Another thing which Air India lacks is Wi-Fi, which is prohibited on all Indian carriers. Hopefully this changes in the near future

After landing, all first class passengers were escorted to immigration in a buggy which was a nice touch.