Air India Introduces First Bespoke-Interior Boeing 787-9: A New Cabin Standard for Its Entire Dreamliner Fleet
Air India took a key step in its product and industrial transformation by officially unveiling the cabin interiors of its first specifically custom-built Boeing 787-9, marking a definitive shift in the group’s onboard experience. This is the first newly produced widebody aircraft from the ambitious 470-aircraft order signed three years ago, and the first designed from the ground up to reflect the airline’s new identity.
A Milestone Within the Vihaan.AI Plan
The aircraft, registered as VT-AWA, was delivered on January 11, 2026, and operated a non-stop flight from Boeing’s plant in Everett, Washington, to Delhi. Its entry into commercial service is scheduled for February 1, 2026, operating the Mumbai-Frankfurt route, one of the most significant intercontinental corridors in Air India’s network.
For Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, the arrival of this 787-9 represents a tangible inflection point within the five-year Vihaan.AI transformation program. While nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have joined the group since privatization, this is the first aircraft designed by and for Air India, with a comprehensive focus on physical product and in-flight entertainment, complementing its crew’s hospitality.
A Standard to be Extended to the Entire Dreamliner Fleet
Beyond this specific aircraft, the announcement has structural implications. Air India confirmed that the new interiors will become the standard for its entire Boeing 787 fleet. The plan includes:
- An additional 19 newly produced Boeing 787s, and
- Full modernization of the 26 Boeing 787-8s currently in operation.
The modernization program is already underway. The first updated 787-8 will return to service in the coming weeks, and the full process will be completed by mid-2027.
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Cabin Configuration: Three Classes and 296 Seats
The new Air India Boeing 787-9 features 296 seats distributed across three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. All seats are equipped with the Thales AVANT Up entertainment system, one of the most advanced on the market, with 4K QLED HDR screens and modern connectivity.
Business Class: Suites with Direct Aisle Access
The Business cabin consists of 30 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, guaranteeing direct aisle access for every passenger. Each suite includes:
- Sliding privacy door
- 79-inch fully flat bed or chaise lounge-style seating
- 42-inch pitch
- 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen with dedicated handset
- Bluetooth connectivity for headphones
- Wireless charging, USB-A, and fast-charging USB-C ports
- Height-adjustable armrests and multiple storage spaces
A distinctive feature is the side console with soft lighting, a vanity mirror, and a decorative lamp featuring the jaali pattern, inspired by traditional Indian architecture, reinforcing the product’s cultural identity.
Premium Economy: A Dedicated Long-Haul Cabin
Air India introduces a clearly differentiated Premium Economy, with 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, designed for long-haul flights. Each seat offers:
- 38-inch pitch
- 7-inch recline
- Six-way adjustable headrests
- Adjustable leg rests and calf supports
- 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screen
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Individual bottle holder
The stated goal is to offer greater privacy and comfort without incurring the operating cost of an additional Business cabin.
Economy Class: Weight Optimization and Ergonomics
The Economy cabin features 238 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, with standard dimensions of 31/32-inch pitch and 5-inch recline. Each seat incorporates:
- 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR screen
- USB-A and USB-C ports
Interior Design: Contemporary Indian Identity
The comprehensive cabin design—encompassing seats, galleys, lavatories, crew rest areas, and panels—was developed in collaboration with JPA Design, aiming to reflect Air India’s new global identity. The color palette blends creams, pinks, reds, warm golds, and deep purples, with tactile materials inspired by natural textures and contemporary craftsmanship.
The result aims for an understated luxury experience, featuring warm lighting, soft curves, improved stowage capacity, and intuitive usability across all classes.
Lighting Inspired by Indian Tradition
One of the most unique developments is the new ambient lighting system, created in collaboration with Tata Elxsi. Inspired by the ancient concept of chakras, the system offers 10 customized light scenes, designed to align with passengers’ circadian rhythms and promote melatonin regulation during long-haul flights.
This approach places Air India in line with airlines that use lighting not just as an aesthetic element, but as an active tool for onboard well-being.
The debut of this Boeing 787-9 clearly establishes Air India’s new product standard and reinforces its ambition to reposition itself among the world’s major global players.
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