The New Year is set to bring new hopes for Air India as the airline unveiled sleek interiors of its custom-built first Boeing 787-9 aircraft on Monday. The hype around the new Boeing 787-9 mirrors the excitement created by the arrival of Air India’s first Airbus A350-900 in 2023. 

Air India’s first Boeing 787-9 is a major attraction and is being showcased on the inaugural day of Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad. The custom-built Air India Boeing 787-9 arrived at Delhi Airport on Sunday, 11 January, from Boeing’s facility in Washington. Registered as VT-AWA,  the aircraft operated a special charter flight from Delhi to Hyderabad’s old Begumpet Airport. Notably, Air India confirmed that these newly designed cabin interiors will be introduced across its entire Boeing 787 fleet.

Sleek Interiors of First Made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9

The new B787-9 features three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, accommodating up to 296 passengers. In Economy, 238 lightweight ergonomic seats offer improved comfort, standard 11.6-inch 4K screens, and both Type-A and Type-C charging options. However, only 220 Economy seats are currently available for booking due to pending regulatory approvals for some seats. The Air India Boeing 787-9 Premium Economy cabin includes 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration with roomy legroom, adjustable headrests, calf and leg rests, and larger 4K screens with fast-charging ports. 

The Air India Business Class in the new B787-9 has 30 suites in a 1-2-1 layout. This gives every passenger direct aisle access. These suites convert into fully flat beds and include a 42-inch pitch, 17-inch 4K entertainment screens, wireless charging, Bluetooth audio pairing, and multiple USB and Type-C power outlets. There is also ample storage, vanity mirrors, and lighting features inspired by Indian design motifs. However, the sliding privacy doors in the Business Class suites are awaiting regulatory clearance and are not yet accessible to passengers. All other suite amenities and functions are fully operational.

When will Air India’s custom-built first Boeing 787-9 start operations? 

Air India will begin commercial operations with its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft on Mumbai-Frankfurt flights from February 1, 2026. Reportedly, three more custom-built Boeing 787-9s will join the Air India fleet this year. However, there’s no announcement on when the first Boeing 787-9 aircraft will be used to operate Air India flights from USA to India or on other routes.

What are your views on made-for-Air India first Boeing 787-9 aircraft? Do you think the airline will soon get the regulatory clearance for the sliding privacy doors in Business Class? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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