Big move toward international "Vihaan.AI" revamp, Air India unveils first customized Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The aircraft, which has made its debut at the Wings India 2026 show in Hyderabad on Tuesday, is the inaugural wide-body jet specifically developed for the airline and became the first jet “line-fit,” since its acquisition by the Tata Group.
Fleet Transformation and Breakneck modernization
The launch of the new Boeing 787-9 (VT-AWA registered) is the first delivery from Air India's 470-aircraft order ever received. In a departure from the leasing or reuse of earlier additions, this Dreamliner features its own interiors built from scratch by Boeing's Everett factory plant in the USA. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson described the arrival as a “defining moment” in Boeing’s history. Wilson also explained that the cabin design will be the standard layout for the whole 787 fleet of the airline.
Revamp of the three-class cabin experience
With 296 seats, the aircraft brings a major advancement in both passenger comfort and technology that weaves a three-class revolution:
- Business Class (30 Suites): 1-2-1, aisle-access access. Each suite is fitted with a 79-inch fully flat bed and wireless charging, plus privacy doors that are now open (at least in the near future until final FAA approval).
- Premium Economy (28 Seats): A premium cabin with 38-inch seat pitch, 7-inch recline and adjustable calf rest for greater added comfort during long-haul comfort.
- Economy Class (238 Seats): 31/32-inch fit-out seats with 5 inch pitch and 5 inch reclining.
Each jet seat on the aircraft is fitted with a 4K QLED HDR touchscreen and Bluetooth network for passengers to connect their personal earbuds through the in-flight electronics.
VIDEO | Air India has unveiled its first brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring specially designed interiors, marking a major milestone in the airline’s transformation.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 27, 2026
The aircraft arrived in Delhi on January 11 from Boeing’s factory in the United States and was flown to… pic.twitter.com/v4gxZFalH0
Wellness at 35,000 Feet
Our new Dreamliner brings in “Wellness Mood Lighting,” from Tata Elxsi, a platform built with 10 custom lighting scenes originating from ancient Indian wellness traditions. The system is developed to match passengers’ circadian rhythms, helping to regulate melatonin to reduce jet lag. Plus, HEPA filtration and lower cabin altitude technology make for a quieter, fresher traveler experience.
Roll out: Mumbai to Frankfurt
(A new product will not be waiting too long for travelers to experience.) The planes will go live for commercial services on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route, as of February 1, 2026 on the airline’s website. The carrier expects to deploy at least 20 such wide-body planes this year and will roll them out throughout Europe, Australia and East Asia.
