Air India unveils custom-made interiors for B787-9, to retrofit aircraft with premium cabins

Hyderabad: Air India on Tuesday unveiled custom-designed cabin interiors of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9, a milestone that marks the start of a new standard for the airline’s long-haul fleet.

The aircraft, registered VT-AWA, is the first 787-9 built specifically for Air India on Boeing’s production line and will enter commercial service on Mumbai–Frankfurt flights from 1 February 2026.

Delivered on 11 January 2026 from Boeing’s Everett, Washington factory, the aircraft joins Air India’s fleet as part of its five-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme, which has already added nearly 100 new and leased aircraft since privatisation.


“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,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India. “It underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class physical product and inflight experience to complement the warm Indian hospitality already delivered by our crew.”

The new interiors will become the benchmark across Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet. All 26 existing 787-8 aircraft are being retrofitted, while 19 more line-fit 787-9 aircraft will be delivered with the same cabin and entertainment systems. The retrofit programme is scheduled for completion by mid-2027, with the first upgraded aircraft expected to return to service in the coming weeks.

All-new cabin layout with three classes

The aircraft accommodates 296 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. Business Class features 30 suites in a 1-2-1 layout with fully flat beds, 42-inch pitch, sliding privacy doors, 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging, and Type A/C ports. Suites also include storage cubbies, vanity mirrors, and feature lamps inspired by India’s jaali architectural patterns.

Premium Economy offers 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration with 38-inch pitch, 7-inch recline, adjustable headrests, calf and leg rests, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screens, and fast-charging ports.

Economy Class has 238 lightweight, ergonomically optimised seats in a 3-3-3 layout with 31–32-inch pitch, 5-inch recline, 11.6-inch 4K HDR screens, and Type A/C charging ports, of which 220 are currently available for bookings.

All cabins are equipped with Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, promising a uniform, high-definition experience for passengers across the 787 fleet.

Air India said these enhancements aim to provide a consistent “world-class product” for both business and leisure travelers, positioning the airline competitively on international long-haul routes.