Photo: Air India Air India has begun operating its newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on flights between Mumbai and Heathrow Airport, bringing the airline's latest cabin products to one of its flagship international routes.
Starting July 1, flights AI131/AI130 will be operated by the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking the first production-line "line-fit" Dreamliners built specifically for Air India with the carrier's redesigned interiors. At the end of April, we announced that Air India completed the full upgrade of its first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, as part of a broad program to renew its wide-body fleet.
The newly announced launch also introduces Premium Economy on the Mumbai–London Heathrow route, giving passengers a choice of Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Air India's second daily Mumbai–London Heathrow service will continue to be operated by its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which features First Class.
The new Boeing 787-9 features 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 238 Economy seats.
Business Class passengers will have direct aisle access, fully flat beds measuring 79 inches, wireless charging, expanded personal storage and 17-inch 4K entertainment screens.
The new Premium Economy cabin offers wider seats in a 2-3-2 layout with a 38-inch seat pitch, larger recline, adjustable leg rests and 13.3-inch 4K entertainment screens.
Economy passengers will also benefit from redesigned seats, 11.6-inch 4K displays and improved device holders.
Across all cabins, passengers will have access to the new Thales AVANT Up inflight entertainment system with Bluetooth headphone connectivity, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, AC power outlets and more than 3,000 hours of entertainment.
The airline has also introduced new cabin mood lighting inspired by Indian wellness traditions, alongside refreshed dining, bedding and amenity kits.
The United Kingdom remains one of Air India's largest international markets, supported by business travel, tourism and the Indian diaspora.
The airline currently operates 57 weekly nonstop flights between India and the UK, linking Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Amritsar with London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham.
Passengers can also connect through Air India's Indian hubs to destinations across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.