
Redefining Air Travel: Air India's New B787-9 Interiors Blend Luxury with Heritage
Air India unveils luxurious interiors for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a significant transformation in its service offering.
Air India has introduced the customized cabin interiors of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, identified as VT-AWA. This marks a pivotal moment in the airline’s Vihaan.AI initiative, showcasing elegant long-haul travel experiences. Following its delivery from Boeing’s Everett facility on January 11, 2026, this aircraft will start operating the Mumbai-Frankfurt route from February 1, with plans to extend this bespoke design across its entire 787 fleet by mid-2027.
Key Features
- A completely new three-class cabin designed exclusively for Air India.
- Total seating: 296 (30 in Business, 28 in Premium Economy, 238 in Economy).
- Bluetooth headphone compatibility at every seat.
- Wireless charging options available in Business Class suites.
- Mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness practices.
- This interior style will be adopted across the entire Boeing 787 fleet by mid-2027.
Design Overview
This is Air India’s premier “line-fit” Boeing 787-9, featuring interiors integrated directly during production at Boeing. It is the first widebody aircraft from the airline’s record order of 470 aircraft made three years prior, emphasizing a renewed dedication to customer experience.
An Exquisite Interior Experience
The decor, developed in partnership with JPA Design, incorporates soft creams, warm golds, blush pinks, and regal purples, reflecting India’s artistic heritage through detailed textures and traditional jaali designs. All seating incorporates Thales AVANT Up technology, offering high-quality 4K QLED screens, Bluetooth options, and USB-C power.
| Cabin | Configuration | Seats | Pitch & Bedding | Screen | Signature Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Suites | 1-2-1 | 30 | 42" / 79" flat bed | 17" 4K QLED | Privacy doors, wireless charging, jaali lamp |
| Premium Economy | 2-3-2 | 28 | 38" recline + legrest | 13.3" 4K QLED | Dedicated cabin, calf rests, bottle holders |
| Economy | 3-3-3 | 238 | 31-32" recline | 11.6" 4K QLED | Ergonomic RECARO, enhanced contours |
Business Class: Elegance Redefined
The 30 available suites, configured in a reverse herringbone layout, provide privacy enhanced by sliding doors. Each suite converts to a 79-inch flat bed complete with adjustable armrests and personalized lighting, showcasing Air India’s cultural charm. Wireless charging, dual-port facilities, and an extensive In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system enhance the overall experience.
Premium Economy: A Touch of Sophistication
Encompassing 28 RECARO seats, this section features 38-inch spans and adjustable headrests tailored for comfort without excess. Each seat is fitted with a 13-inch HDR screen, emphasizing efficiency and comfort.
Economy Class: Thoughtful Design for Comfort
This segment hosts 238 lightweight RECARO seats arranged in a 3-3-3 formation, maximized for ergonomics with 31-32-inch pitches and integrated technology for an enjoyable travel experience.
Wellness through Lighting
In collaboration with Tata Elxsi, Air India is introducing ten unique mood-lighting schemes rooted in chakra principles to promote tranquility and wellness during flights.
Transformative Changes Ahead
According to CEO Campbell Wilson, VT-AWA symbolizes the first aircraft consciously crafted by Air India, with 19 additional Boeing 787-9s planned to mirror this configuration and retrofitting of 26 existing 787-8s forthcoming. This transition aims to elevate Air India’s standing on the global stage, blending rich heritage with modern luxury, catering to travelers who expect nothing less than extraordinary.
