- By News Desk
- Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JNM
Air India on Tuesday unveiled the custom-styled cabin interiors of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s ongoing transformation under the Vihaan.AI programme.
The aircraft, bearing registration mark VT-AWA, is the first widebody jet to be designed specifically for Air India and fitted with customised interiors directly on Boeing’s production line. Delivered on January 11, 2026, the aircraft arrived non-stop in Delhi from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington and will enter commercial service on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route from February 1.
Calling it a significant moment for the airline, Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said the delivery represents the first production aircraft from the airline’s massive 470-aircraft order signed three years ago. He noted that while nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have already joined the fleet since privatisation, this is the first jet designed by and for Air India, reinforcing the carrier’s focus on offering a world-class onboard experience alongside Indian hospitality.
The new Boeing 787-9 features 296 seats across three cabin classes—Business, Premium Economy and Economy—each equipped with Thales’ latest AVANT Up inflight entertainment system.
The Business Class cabin includes 30 private suites in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access, fully flat beds, 4K QLED touchscreens, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and design elements inspired by India’s traditional jaali patterns.
Premium Economy, positioned as a dedicated upscale cabin, offers 28 seats with enhanced legroom, calf and leg rests, and 4K touchscreens, while Economy Class features 238 ergonomically optimised seats with modern charging options.
Air India has collaborated with global design studio JPA Design to align the interiors with its renewed brand identity, using warm colours, refined textures and soft lighting.
A highlight of the aircraft is its chakra-inspired mood lighting system, developed with Tata Elxsi, aimed at improving passenger wellbeing by aligning lighting with circadian rhythms during long-haul travel.