Air India has unveiled the custom‑styled cabin interiors of its first line‑fit Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner, a milestone that signals far more than the arrival of a new aircraft.
It represents the physical embodiment of the airline’s sweeping Vihaan.AI transformation programme and the clearest expression yet of the “new Air India” taking shape under Tata Group ownership.
Revealed in Hyderabad on 26 January 2026, the aircraft — registered VT‑AWA — is the first widebody from the airline’s historic 470‑aircraft order to be delivered with interiors designed specifically for Air India and installed directly on Boeing’s production line.
It arrived in Delhi earlier this month from Everett, Washington, and will enter commercial service on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route from 1 February.
For Air India, this aircraft is not simply another addition to the fleet.
It is a statement of intent, a tangible demonstration of the airline’s ambition to compete at the highest levels of global aviation, and a preview of the passenger experience that will define its future.
A Milestone in the Vihaan.AI Transformation
Air India CEO & Managing Director Campbell Wilson underscored the significance of the moment in a detailed statement that captures both the scale of the airline’s ambitions and the symbolism of this first made‑for‑Air India widebody. His full remarks are as follows:
“The arrival of this new Boeing 787-9, the first production widebody from the 470 aircraft-strong order signed three years ago, is a significant moment in Air India’s 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme.”
“Though nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have already joined the Air India group’s fleet since privatisation, this is the first to be designed by and for Air India.”
“It underscores Air India’s commitment to delivering a world-class physical product and inflight entertainment experience to complement the warm Indian hospitality already delivered by our crew.”
“The new cabin interiors on this aircraft will soon become the standard across our entire Boeing 787 fleet as, in addition to 19 more production aircraft, all 26 of Air India’s existing Boeing 787-8 aircraft are being retrofitted with the same new cabin interiors and entertainment systems.”
“The retrofit programme is well underway, with the first upgraded aircraft due to return to service in the coming weeks and the remainder of the fleet by mid-2027.”
Wilson’s comments reflect a broader truth: this aircraft is not an isolated upgrade but the beginning of a fleet‑wide transformation that will redefine the passenger experience across Air India’s long‑haul network.
A Cabin Designed for the New Air India
The new Boeing 787‑9 features 296 seats across three cabins — Business, Premium Economy, and Economy — each designed to reflect Air India’s revitalised brand identity and its ambition to deliver a world‑class onboard experience.
The Business Class cabin introduces 30 suites arranged in a 1‑2‑1 configuration, each offering direct aisle access, a fully flat 79‑inch bed, a sliding privacy door (pending regulatory approval), and a 17‑inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen.
Wireless charging, Bluetooth headphone pairing, fast‑charging ports, and a feature lamp inspired by Air India’s jaali motif elevate the suite into a modern, premium space that competes with the best in the industry.
Premium Economy, a dedicated 28‑seat cabin in a 2‑3‑2 layout, offers generous legroom, enhanced recline, adjustable calf and leg rests, and 13.3‑inch 4K screens.
It is designed to appeal to long‑haul travellers seeking comfort and privacy without the price tag of Business Class.
Economy Class features 238 ergonomically optimised seats with 11.6‑inch 4K screens, fast‑charging ports, and a refreshed design that prioritises comfort and usability.
Air India has opened 220 of these seats for booking on flights operated by the new aircraft.
Across all cabins, the airline has selected Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, bringing a consistent, modern digital experience to every passenger.
A New Design Language Rooted in India
The interiors, developed in collaboration with JPA Design, reflect a contemporary interpretation of Indian aesthetics.
Soft creams, pinks, reds, warm golds, and deep purples create a palette that feels both global and distinctly Indian.
Tactile materials inspired by natural textures and modern craftsmanship contribute to a sense of quiet luxury.
This design philosophy extends beyond seats to galleys, lavatories, crew rest areas, and side panels, creating a cohesive cabin environment that feels intentional and refined.
It is a departure from the inconsistent interiors that have historically characterised Air India’s widebody fleet and a clear signal of the airline’s commitment to design excellence.
Mood Lighting Inspired by Ancient Wellness Traditions
One of the most distinctive features of the new 787‑9 is its mood‑lighting system, developed with Tata Elxsi.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Indian concept of chakras — the body’s energy centres — the lighting offers 10 custom scenes designed to support circadian rhythms and melatonin regulation.
For passengers, this means lighting that adapts to the body’s natural cycles, helping reduce fatigue and enhancing wellbeing on long‑haul flights.
It is a thoughtful, culturally rooted innovation that aligns with Air India’s ambition to blend modern technology with Indian hospitality.
What This New Era Means for Air India Customers
For passengers, the arrival of the first custom‑styled 787‑9 marks the beginning of a new era — one defined by consistency, comfort, and a renewed sense of pride in India’s flag carrier.
The new aircraft introduces a level of product quality that brings Air India into direct competition with leading global airlines.
Business Class suites with privacy doors, wireless charging, and 4K screens represent a step change from the airline’s previous generation of cabins.
Premium Economy offers a dedicated, thoughtfully designed space that meets the needs of modern long‑haul travellers.
Economy Class, often overlooked in industry upgrades, benefits from improved ergonomics, modern IFE, and a refreshed aesthetic.
Perhaps most importantly, the new 787‑9 sets a standard that will soon be replicated across the entire Dreamliner fleet.
By mid‑2027, passengers flying on any Air India 787 — whether a newly delivered 787‑9 or a retrofitted 787‑8 — can expect a consistent, modern, and comfortable experience.
This consistency has long been a missing piece in Air India’s offering.
Its arrival marks a turning point in the airline’s relationship with its customers, many of whom have been waiting for a product that matches the warmth and professionalism of its crew.
Air India: A Flag Carrier Reclaiming Its Place?
The unveiling of the custom‑styled 787‑9 is part of a much larger transformation. Air India is integrating its group airlines, opening new training academies, building a greenfield maintenance base, and inducting hundreds of new aircraft.
It is reshaping its digital platforms, service culture, and brand identity.
But for passengers, nothing signals change more clearly than stepping onto an aircraft that feels new, modern, and unmistakably Air India.
VT‑AWA is more than a new Dreamliner.
It is a symbol of renewal, ambition, and the return of India’s flag carrier to the global stage.
It marks the beginning of a fleet that reflects the airline’s heritage while embracing the future — a fleet designed not just to carry passengers, but to represent a nation.
And for the airline’s customers, it marks the start of a new chapter in the experience of flying with India’s national airline — one defined by comfort, consistency, and a renewed sense of pride.
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