Inside Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 now flying to London Heathrow

Air India has introduced its newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow, offering UK travellers the airline’s premium-focused cabin experience.

The aircraft, which entered service on 1 July and operates flights AI131 and AI130, was delivered to Air India with its new cabin products installed on the Boeing production line. The airline is also retrofitting its Boeing 787-8s to harmonise the passenger experience across the fleet.

For passengers travelling on one of Air India’s busiest international routes, the 787-9 Dreamliner offers a significant step up in comfort across every cabin.

Air India’s new flagship interior

The 296-seat Boeing 787-9 features an all-new three-class layout designed to appeal to both premium and leisure travellers.

The cabin includes:

• 30 Elevate Ascent business class suites, arranged 1-2-1
• 28 Recaro PL3530 recliner premium economy seats, configured 2-3-2
• 238 Recaro CL3710 slimline economy class seats, arranged 3-3-3

The interiors adopt Air India’s refreshed branding, with a palette inspired by traditional Indian craftsmanship, executed in a contemporary style. 

Rich burgundy, deep aubergine and gold accents are paired with warm lighting and premium materials intended to give the aircraft a distinctly Indian identity while matching the standards expected of a global full-service airline.

Air India business class gains privacy suites

Air India’s premium transformation begins at the front of the aircraft, with new business-class suites that give every passenger a space all their own and direct aisle access.

Features include:

• 48″ high sliding privacy doors
• 21”-wide seat 
• 79” fully flat bed
• Wireless charging
• USB-A and USB-C charging points
• AC power outlets
• Large personal storage compartments
• A generous side console
• Bluetooth audio connectivity
• A 17″ 4K UHD touch screen inflight entertainment display

The suite design is competitive with the latest business class products offered by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Middle Eastern carriers serving the India-UK market.

Premium economy expands Air India’s cabin options

One of the most important additions to the aircraft is the introduction of premium economy, giving more budget-conscious passengers an affordable and more comfortable alternative to long-haul economy class.

The 19.5”-wide seats are set at a 38” pitch (separation), offering greater width and legroom than economy. Each seat also includes:

• 7” recline
• Six-way adjustable headrests
• Adjustable calf rest
• Personal device charging on USB-A and USB-C ports
• 13.3″ 4K UHD touch screen in-flight entertainment display

Premium economy has become one of aviation’s fastest-growing cabin classes, particularly on long-haul business routes such as London Heathrow, where travellers increasingly seek additional comfort without paying business class fares.

Air India’s economy class also gets an upgrade

Economy passengers on Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 also benefit from redesigned seating.

The new 17” slimline seats incorporate improved ergonomics for better comfort on flights lasting close to 10 hours. The 31”-32” seat pitch maximises personal space.

Other seat features include:

• 5” recline
• USB-A and USB-C charging at every seat
• 11.6″ 4K UHD touch screen in-flight entertainment displays
• Six-way adjustable headrests
• Improved storage solutions
• Larger tray tables

Faster WiFi and next-generation entertainment

The aircraft also introduces upgraded digital features. Passengers have access to Thales AVANT in-flight entertainment system delivering audio visual content on demand and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones.

The aircraft is also equipped to support high-speed satellite connectivity as Air India rolls out internet services across its domestic and long-haul fleet of A350, B787-9 and select A321neo aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout much of the journey.

Built around the passenger experience

Beyond the seats themselves, the Dreamliner incorporates several features designed to reduce fatigue on long-haul flights.

Like other Boeing 787s, the aircraft benefits from:

• Larger electronically dimmable windows
• Higher cabin humidity
• Lower cabin altitude
• Improved cabin pressurisation
• Reduced engine noise
• LED mood lighting programmed for different phases of flight

Together, these features are intended to help passengers arrive feeling more refreshed after overnight services between India and the UK.

The first of Air India’s factory-fitted Dreamliners

The London Heathrow deployment showcases the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners delivered with new interiors installed on the production line at Boeing. 

While Air India continues refurbishing its Boeing 787-8s and Boeing 777s to ensure a consistent passenger experience across the fleet, the new 787-9 establishes the new Air India premium standard.

As more factory-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners enter service, passengers can expect the new cabin design to be available on a growing number of international routes.

Featured Image: Air India