Air India marked a key milestone as its first line-fit, made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9 aircraft landed at IGI Airport, Delhi. The widebody jet features custom-configured cabins and signals the airline’s push for a world-class flying experience
Air India B 787-9 arrives in New Delhi. (Pic/Air India)
Air India on Monday marked a major milestone in its transformation journey as its first line-fit, made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9 aircraft landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The arrival of the widebody aircraft at IGIA, Delhi, signifies the airline’s renewed focus on delivering a world-class flying experience to passengers.
The Boeing 787-9 aircraft registered as VT-AWA was flown to New Delhi by a cockpit crew of four Air India pilots. As per Air India, the pilots completed the journey in 16 hours and 58 minutes from Boeing's Everett factory in Washington state to New Delhi.
This is the first Boeing 787-9 that has been delivered with cabin interiors configured specifically for Air India at the manufacturing stage.
Marking a significant achievement in the Indian aviation sector, this particular aircraft has a total seating capacity of 296, spread across three classes: Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
While Air India has not yet disclosed detailed specifications of the cabin products, it is said that the interiors were installed directly on Boeing’s production line and will be formally unveiled in the coming weeks.
Air India expecting six widebody aircrafts in 2026
Air India, while issuing a release, further stated, “This is just the beginning of many more milestones to follow during the course of the year. 2026 will see a total of six widebody aircraft deliveries (Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787-9), including the recently delivered VT-AWA. The new cabins of the Boeing 787-9 will become the new benchmark across our Boeing 787 fleet.”
The airline is also in the process of retrofitting its existing widebody fleet. As part of this programme, 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are undergoing phased upgrades, with several expected to re-enter service during the year after completing a full interior refit.
Air India also added that by the end of this year, nearly 60 per cent of its widebody fleet is expected to have updated cabin interiors.
Boeing 787-9 to be deployed on international routes from February
The newly delivered Boeing 787-9 is expected to be deployed on international long-haul routes from February 2026. The airline said details of its commercial operations will be announced separately.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
