Summary:
- Air India unveils the first line-fit Boeing 787-9 with custom-designed cabin interiors, marking a major milestone in the airline’s Vihaan.AI transformation and long-haul product strategy.
- A brand-led, technology-enabled cabin experience comes to life, featuring new Business, Premium Economy and Economy seats, Thales AVANT Up IFE, and a sensorial design language reflecting contemporary Indian identity.
- Wellbeing and passenger experience take centre stage, with chakra-inspired mood lighting developed with Tata Elxsi to support circadian rhythms, comfort and long-haul travel wellness across the fleet.
Air India has unveiled the custom-styled cabin interiors of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which entered commercial service on 1 February 2026.
“The arrival of this new Boeing 787-9, the first production widebody from the 470 aircraft-strong order signed three years ago, is a significant moment in Air India’s 5-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme,” said Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson. “Though nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have already joined the Air India group’s fleet since privatisation, this is the first to be designed by and for Air India. It underscores Air India’s commitment to delivering a world-class physical product and inflight entertainment experience to complement the warm Indian hospitality already delivered by our crew. The new cabin interiors on this aircraft will soon become the standard across our entire Boeing 787 fleet as, in addition to 19 more production aircraft, all 26 of Air India’s existing Boeing 787-8 aircraft are being retrofitted with the same new cabin interiors and entertainment systems. The retrofit programme is well underway, with the first upgraded aircraft due to return to service in the coming weeks and the remainder of the fleet by mid-2027.”
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’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system.
Air India has styled the interiors of the new B787-9 aircraft 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. The aim is to create 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.
Onboard the new B787-9 aircraft, Air India has introduced a mood lighting system developed in collaboration with Tata Elxsi. It draws inspiration from India’s 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.
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