Air India Takes Delivery of First Line-Fit Boeing 787-9 Post Privatisation

Tata Group-owned Air India has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft since privatisation, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s ongoing transformation journey. The aircraft is also the first line-fit or custom-built Dreamliner received by Air India in nearly seven years, underscoring the carrier’s renewed focus on modernisation, passenger comfort, and global competitiveness.

An official said on Thursday (January 8) that Air India completed the title transfer of the Dreamliner at Boeing’s Everett factory in Seattle on January 7. Following mandatory inspections by India’s aviation regulator, the aircraft is expected to arrive in the country in the coming days.

What Makes This Dreamliner Significant for Air India

First Line-Fit Aircraft Since Privatisation

This newly delivered Boeing 787-9 is the first aircraft specifically manufactured for Air India after it was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022.
Generally, line fit refers to an aircraft that is built to an airline’s specifications directly on the production line, rather than being retrofitted later.

The last line-fit Dreamliner inducted by Air India was in October 2017, when the airline was still under government ownership.

Aircraft Configuration and Passenger Experience

Three-Class Cabin Layout

The new Boeing 787-9 features a three-class configuration, offering:

• Economy Class

• Premium Economy Class

• Business Class

This cabin layout aligns with Air India’s strategy to improve passenger comfort and provide a more competitive long-haul flying experience across international routes.

Role in Air India’s Massive Aircraft Order Plan

Part of 220 Boeing Aircraft Ordered in 2023

According to the official, this Dreamliner is Air India’s first wide-body aircraft and the 52nd overall delivery from the 220 Boeing jets ordered in 2023.

Deliveries Across Air India Group

• Air India Express has already inducted 51 narrow-body Boeing 737-8 aircraft, including its first line-fit plane, which entered service in late December.

• The Air India Group currently operates over 300 aircraft, with:

  • 185 aircraft under Air India

  • The remaining fleet with Air India Express

Wide-Body Fleet Expansion After Tata Takeover

Airbus and Boeing Orders

After taking over Air India in January 2022, the Tata Group placed one of the largest aircraft orders in aviation history:

• 350 Airbus aircraft

• 220 Boeing aircraft

From the Airbus order, six A350 aircraft have already been inducted into Air India’s fleet, further strengthening its long-haul capabilities.

Existing Dreamliner Fleet and Vistara Merger Impact

Air India already operates:

• 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft

• Six Boeing 787-9 aircraft inherited from erstwhile Vistara, which was merged with Air India

This integration has significantly expanded the airline’s wide-body operations and international network.

Refurbishment of Legacy Dreamliners

The official added that a dozen more legacy Dreamliners with refreshed interiors are expected to return to service through 2026. These upgrades form part of Air India’s broader cabin retrofit programme aimed at improving onboard experience across older aircraft.

Future Fleet Induction and International Network Plans

In November last year, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said Air India Group expects to induct 26 wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, and aims to operate 81% of its international flights with upgraded aircraft by the end of 2026.

This reflects the airline’s ambition to position itself as a leading global carrier with a modern fleet and consistent passenger experience.

Conclusion

The delivery of Air India’s first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner after privatisation marks a crucial step in the airline’s revival under the Tata Group. With large-scale aircraft orders, cabin upgrades, and steady fleet induction, Air India is steadily reshaping its operational strength and brand image. As more modern aircraft join the fleet over the next two years, passengers can expect improved comfort, reliability, and connectivity across domestic and international routes.