GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has unveiled the custom-styled cabin interiors of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9, marking a major milestone in its widebody fleet renewal. The aircraft introduces a new interior standard that will be adopted across the airline’s entire Dreamliner fleet.
Delivered on January 11, 2026, the aircraft flew non-stop from Everett to Delhi (DEL) and will enter service on February 1, 2026, operating between Mumbai (BOM) and Frankfurt (FRA).
Air India New 787 Interiors
The Boeing 787-9, registered as VT-AWA, is the first aircraft built specifically for Air India with custom interiors installed directly on Boeing’s production line. This makes it the first production widebody from the airline’s 470-aircraft order signed three years ago.
Air India confirmed that the new cabin design will become standard across all Boeing 787 aircraft. Alongside 19 additional 787-9s on order, the airline is retrofitting its existing fleet of 26 Boeing 787-8s with the same interiors and inflight entertainment systems.
The retrofit programme is already underway, with the first upgraded aircraft returning to service in the coming weeks and full completion targeted by mid-2027.
According to the airline, this step strengthens its long-term Vihaan.AI transformation programme, with a focus on delivering a consistent, modern onboard product across international routes.
Cabin Configuration and Seating Overview
The new Boeing 787-9 features a total of 296 seats across three cabin classes.
Business Class
Business Class includes 30 suites in a 1-2-1 layout, offering direct aisle access for every passenger. Each suite converts into a fully flat bed measuring 79 inches and includes a sliding privacy door, pending regulatory approval.
Key features include a 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, Bluetooth audio pairing, wireless charging, Type A and Type C fast charging ports, and ample personal storage. Design elements such as the jaali-inspired feature lamp reflect Indian architectural influences while maintaining a modern finish.
Premium Economy
The Premium Economy cabin offers 28 seats arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. Each seat provides a 38-inch pitch, 7-inch recline, adjustable headrest, calf rest, and leg rest.
Passengers also have access to a 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screen, fast charging ports, and a dedicated bottle holder. The cabin is positioned as a quieter, more private space for long-haul travel.
Economy Class
Economy Class consists of 238 lightweight seats in a 3-3-3 layout, with a standard 31 to 32-inch pitch and 5-inch recline. Each seat features an 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen and both Type A and Type C charging ports.
Out of the total Economy seats, 220 are available for booking on flights operated by this aircraft.
Design Collaboration and Interior Styling
Air India developed the cabin interiors in collaboration with JPA Design, covering seats, galleys, lavatories, side panels, and crew rest areas. The design reflects the airline’s refreshed brand identity with a focus on calm, warmth, and functionality.
The colour palette blends soft creams, reds, warm golds, and deep purples, paired with tactile materials and curved surfaces. Improved lighting, better stowage, and intuitive layouts aim to enhance comfort across all travel classes.
Wellness-Inspired Mood Lighting System
The aircraft introduces a new mood lighting system developed with Tata Elxsi. Inspired by traditional Indian wellness concepts, the system is based on the idea of chakras, which represent energy centres linked to balance and wellbeing.
The lighting offers 10 custom scenes designed to support circadian rhythms and melatonin regulation. This approach is intended to reduce fatigue and improve passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
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