Tata Group-owned Air India has taken delivery of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, becoming the airline’s first newly manufactured wide-body aircraft to join the fleet in more than eight years. An airline official confirmed that the title transfer of the aircraft was completed at Boeing’s Everett manufacturing facility in Seattle on January 7.
The newly delivered Dreamliner is also the first line-fit aircraft inducted by Air India since its privatisation in January 2022. Following mandatory inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft is expected to fly to India within the next few days and be deployed on long-haul international routes.
Configured in a three-class layout, the aircraft features economy, premium economy, and business class cabins, reflecting Air India’s renewed focus on passenger comfort and global service standards. The last line-fit Dreamliner acquired by the airline was in October 2017, when Air India was still under government ownership.
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Officials said this delivery marks Air India’s first wide-body and 52nd overall aircraft from the 220 Boeing jets ordered in 2023. Meanwhile, Air India Express has already inducted 51 narrow-body Boeing 737-8 aircraft, including its first line-fit plane delivered in late December.
Following the Tata Group takeover, Air India placed landmark orders for 350 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft to modernise its ageing fleet. Of the Airbus order, six A350 aircraft have already been inducted, strengthening the airline’s long-haul capabilities.
Currently, the Air India Group operates a fleet of over 300 aircraft, with 185 planes under Air India and the remainder with Air India Express. The airline also operates 26 Boeing 787-8s and six 787-9s inherited from the former Vistara fleet, which was merged with Air India.
In addition, a dozen legacy Dreamliners undergoing interior refurbishment are expected to return to service progressively through 2026, further supporting Air India’s aggressive expansion and fleet renewal strategy.
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