A behind-the-scenes look at Aeroflot's first A350

On 29th February, Aeroflot received its first Airbus A350 aircraft.

The first of 22 of this type that the Russian flag carrier has on order to renew its long haul fleet.

As is typical in these cases, the new aircraft was delivered with much fanfare and a special ceremony at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, France.

A ballet show preceded the official unveiling of Aeroflot’s A350, not for nothing it is named after the famous composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, author of the famous, classical piece “Swan Lake”.

And there was also a moment to recall Aeroflot’s history (the airline turned 95 a couple of years ago!), with a fashion show. 28 crew members walked the runway (the one for fashion, not for planes!) to showcase the evolution of Aeroflot’s uniforms, from the 1960s to present.

We could have a close look at this magnificent aircraft that, for a change, is painted white instead of Aeroflot’s usual scale of greys.

The main changes are inside the plane, though, as you can see in this piece I wrote for The Points Guy detailing the main features that travellers will find in each of the aircraft’s three cabins.

This is the small bar at the galley, which will be available to Aeroflot’s A350 business class passengers

Those willing to try out Aeroflot’s A350 will soon have a chance, since in early March it starts revenue flights, for a start on the Moscow Sheremetyevo to Saint Petersburg run, then to London Heathrow and later this year to long haul destinations such as New York (JFK), Miami, Osaka, Beijing and Singapore (a new destination that Aeroflot plans to launch after the summer).

Here is Aeroflot’s new Business Class suite for the A350

Aeroflot’s A350 premium economy seats (Comfort Class)

And this is what economy class looks like on Aeroflot’s A350

As always in this type of events, we could also have a close look at the aircraft from all sides before it takes off on the ferry flight to its new base.

Crew uniforms from the past 50 years of Aeroflot history

Photo-session ongoing!

When driving through Airbus facilities, we could see two other almost-completed A350s, alreadt in Aeroflot livery, and another one in the process of being built.

So I guess A350 “Pyotr Tchaikovsky” is soon to get company!