- Completely new cabin interiors styled exclusively for Air India
- Headphone pairing capability via Bluetooth available in seats across all cabins
- Introducing wireless charging pads and more in Business Class suites
- New onboard mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions
Air India today unveiled the custom-styled cabin interiors of its first line-fit (made-for-Air India) Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Bearing registration mark VT-AWA, the new aircraft features completely new cabin interiors, designed especially for Air India and installed directly on Boeing’s production line. Air India received delivery of the new aircraft on 11 January 2026, arriving in Delhi non-stop from Boeing’s factory in Everett, Washington. The aircraft is entering commercial service on flights between Mumbai and Frankfurt from 1 February 2026.
All-new cabin interiors
Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft comes with 296 seats distributed between three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The cabins feature customised versions of the Elevate Ascent seat in Business Class and RECARO PL3530 and CL3710 seats in Premium Economy and Economy Class, respectively. All seats are equipped with Thales’ state-of-the-art AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system.
The Business Class cabin consists of 30 luxurious suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering direct aisle access to every guest. Each suite, featuring a sliding privacy door1, reclines into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length or a chaise lounge, and offers 42” of pitch, 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen and IFE handset, Bluetooth headphone pairing, wireless charging and Type A and Type C fast charging ports, height-adjustable armrest, as well as plenty of storage. The suite also features an attractive cubby area that offers storage space with soft lighting inside, a vanity mirror and headphone hook, and a feature lamp designed with Air India’s jaali pattern that is inspired by India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
Premium Economy – a dedicated, upscale cabin offering greater privacy – features 28 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, designed for enhanced long-haul comfort. Each seat offers generous legroom with 38-inch pitch and 7-inch recline, 6-way adjustable headrest, individually adjustable calf rest as well as a leg rest, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, Type A and Type C fast charging ports, and a bottle holder.
Economy Class features 238 lightweight and ergonomically optimised seats in a 3-3-3 configuration, each offering the standard 31”/32” pitch and 5” recline, an 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and Type A and C charging ports. Of the 238 seats in Economy, Air India has made 220 seats available in its booking inventory for flights operated with this new aircraft.
A new design standard
Air India has styled the interiors of the new B787-9 aircraft, including seats, galleys, lavatories, flight crew rest area, side panels, laminates, etc. in collaboration with JPA Design, a global multidisciplinary design studio, especially to reflect Air India’s revitalised global brand identity.
The cabins feature a harmonious palette of soft creams, pinks, reds, warm golds, and rich purples, complemented by tactile materials inspired by natural textures and modern craftsmanship. This creates a sensorial experience of quiet luxury, authenticity, and contemporary Indian identity, with refined detailing, soft curves, warm lighting, improved stowage, and intuitive usability across all classes.
Mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions
On board the new B787-9 aircraft, Air India has introduced a unique mood lighting systems, developed in collaboration with Tata Elxsi. It draws inspiration from India’s rich heritage in wellness and the ancient concept of chakras – viewed in traditional philosophy as vital energy centres in the human body that support physical, mental, and emotional balance. The new mood lighting offers 10 custom scenes designed to align with passengers’ circadian rhythms and aid melatonin regulation, enhancing wellbeing on long-haul flights.
The sliding doors of Business Class will remain out of service due to pending approvals.
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