Air India gets first custom-built Boeing 787-9 aircraft with new-generation cabins

Air India on Tuesday unveiled the custom-designed cabin interiors of the 787-9, describing them as the reference standard for all future Dreamliner operations.

• Air India receives its first custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• New Dreamliner enters service on Mumbai–Frankfurt route from 1 February 2026
• Air India 787s to get upgraded interiors and inflight entertainment by mid-2027

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Air India has taken delivery of its first custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant step in the carrier’s ongoing transformation.

The aircraft, registered VT-AWA, arrived from Boeing’s Everett, Washington facility on 11 January 2026 and is the first 787-9 produced on the manufacturer’s assembly line specifically to Air India’s design and specifications.

The airline confirmed that the aircraft will enter commercial service on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route beginning 1 February 2026. Over time, it will also be deployed across other European destinations, as well as routes to East Asia and Australia.

Speaking on the development, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said, "This year is a real year of transformation for Air India, we have first of these line-fit 787 Dreamliner is coming, we have three more coming this year, two more A350-1000s towards the end of the year, and we start taking delivery of the retro-fitted legacy aircraft 787-8, which will have a interior, exactly the same as what you see on this brand new one, world-class seats, in-flight entertainment, food, service..."

He added that the airline expects to operate at least 20 wide-body aircraft with the new interiors during the year across multiple long-haul markets.

New cabin concept for 787 fleet

Air India on Tuesday unveiled the custom-designed cabin interiors of the 787-9, describing them as the reference standard for all future Dreamliner operations.

“Though nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have already joined the Air India group’s fleet since privatisation, this is the first to be designed by and for Air India,” Wilson said.

“It underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class physical product and inflight experience to complement the warm Indian hospitality already delivered by our crew," he added.

The airline plans to extend the same cabin design and inflight entertainment system across its entire Boeing 787 fleet.

All 26 existing 787-8 aircraft are currently undergoing retrofit, while 19 additional 787-9 aircraft will be delivered with identical interiors. The retrofit programme is expected to be completed by mid-2027, with the first upgraded aircraft returning to service in the coming weeks.

Three-class layout and upgraded onboard experience

The newly delivered aircraft is configured to seat 296 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. Business Class features 30 suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, offering fully flat beds, 42-inch pitch, sliding privacy doors, 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens, Bluetooth audio pairing, wireless charging, and multiple power outlets.

Design elements include storage spaces, vanity mirrors, and lamps inspired by traditional Indian jaali patterns.

Premium Economy consists of 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, with 38-inch pitch, enhanced recline, adjustable headrests, calf and leg rests, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screens, and fast-charging ports.

The Economy cabin accommodates 238 seats in a 3-3-3 layout with 31–32-inch pitch, 5-inch recline, 11.6-inch 4K HDR displays, and USB Type A and C charging ports, with 220 seats currently open for sale.

All cabins are fitted with Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, enabling a consistent high-definition experience throughout the aircraft. Air India said the upgrades are aimed at strengthening its position in the long-haul market by offering a uniform, premium product to both business and leisure travellers.