Air India’s first new Boeing 787-9 touches down in Delhi

The year 2026 is off to a fresh start as we welcome a gleaming new chapter in our transformation story with the first line-fit (made-for-Air India) Boeing 787-9 landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Aircraft Arrival
- On 12 January 2026, Air India’s first line‑fit Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner (registration VT‑AWA) landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
- The aircraft completed a non‑stop ferry flight of 16 hours 58 minutes from Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington, flown by a crew of four Air India pilots.

Cabin & Features
- Configured with 296 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.
- Features bespoke cabin interiors installed directly on Boeing’s production line, with details to be unveiled soon.
- Represents the new benchmark for Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, aligning with the airline’s transformation program.

Fleet Modernization
- 2026 will see six widebody deliveries (Airbus A350‑1000 and Boeing 787‑9) including VT‑AWA.
- 26 legacy Boeing 787‑8s are undergoing full retrofits with refreshed interiors and new livery, scheduled to be completed during 2026.
- By year‑end, nearly 60% of Air India’s widebody fleet will feature modernized cabins.

Commercial Deployment
- The new 787‑9 is expected to enter international long‑haul service in February 2026, with schedules to be announced shortly.

This delivery marks a fresh chapter in Air India’s transformation journey, combining modern fleet expansion with enhanced passenger experience.