"Gleaming New Chapter": Air India's First Line-Fit Plane with Cabin Upgrades Lands in New Delhi

First Line-Fit Dreamliner Lands in New Delhi. Air India, the flag carrier boasting "the largest international network in the country and the most nonstop routes" connecting India with global destinations, began 2026 with a significant milestone in its renewal process. The first Boeing 787-9 (Dreamliner) aircraft built specifically for the company, featuring a new, advanced design, landed at New Delhi airport.

The aircraft, bearing the registration VT-AWA, arrived on a direct transfer flight from the Boeing factory in Everett, Washington, after a continuous flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes.

The arrival of the aircraft marks another stage in Air India's transformation, with an emphasis on upgrading the flight experience and aligning the product with advanced international standards.

Photo: AIR INDIA

This is the first aircraft in line-fit configuration, which translates to cabins designed and pre-installed on Boeing's production line to serve Air India.

The new Boeing 787-9 features 296 seats in three classes: Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. Details of the new cabin design have not yet been revealed, but are expected in the coming weeks, and they will serve as the new standard for the company's entire Dreamliner fleet.

This Is Just the Beginning.

2026 is set to be a particularly significant year for Air India, with the inducting of six new wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A350-1000s and additional Boeing 787-9s. At the same time, the company is advancing a comprehensive upgrade program for its existing fleet, under which 26 older Boeing 787-8s are undergoing a full-scale refurbishment, including new cabins and updated branding in the new corporate colors.

Air India notes that, upon completion of the process this year, approximately 60% of the company's wide-body aircraft fleet will be equipped with a modern, updated cabin, as part of an overall investment in the product and passenger experience.

The new aircraft is expected to enter commercial service on international and long-haul flights as early as February 2026, with the schedule of destinations and routes to be announced later.