Air India Welcomes Fourth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Amid Fleet Modernisation Push
Air India has taken delivery of its fourth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as part of its fleet renewal programme. The carrier expects to receive 16 more of these aircraft in addition to the four it has already received.
The newly delivered plane, VT-AWD, is one of Air India's factory-fresh widebody aircraft and features a modern three-class configuration with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy seats, as well as updated cabin ergonomics.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has an increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) certification, which allows Air India to operate ultra-long-haul routes without payload penalties. This is a significant operational advantage for the airline, enabling it to run these routes at full capacity with maximum belly-hold cargo revenue.
Air India's fleet modernisation programme includes a $400 million retrofit campaign on its 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 jets. By late 2026, over 60% of Air India's widebody long-haul fleet is expected to feature completely modernised cabin interiors.