Air India is set to welcome three new aircraft over the coming weeks, starting with its first brand-new Boeing 787-9. The 787-9, to be registered VT-AWA upon delivery, is expected to land in India in the coming days. The aircraft is the first of 20 Boeing 787-9s ordered by Air India and marks the airline’s first purpose-built 787-9 Dreamliner delivered directly from the factory. While Air India currently operates six 787-9s, all were inherited from Vistara following the merger.
VT-AWA, by contrast, has been manufactured specifically for Air India It features Air India’s updated interior design, modern in-flight entertainment systems and seating in the airline’s new colour palette. It will have a three-class layout that will include Business class seats in 1-2-1 layout, premium economy and economy seating. This layout will feature the Airline’s new-generation cabin product which will be also be retrofitted in existing 787-8 aircrafts.
Air India to take delivery of Airbus A350-1000
Beyond the 787-9, Air India is also expected to take delivery of a factory-fresh Airbus A350-1000 in January. This aircraft will be the airline’s first A350-1000 delivered from the factory and the first A350 to feature Air India’s own cabin interiors. It will be regisered VT-JRO upon delivery and is the first of 20 aircraft of the type ordered by the carrier.
It will also debut an all-new first-class product for Air India. The Airbus A350-900s currently in service with Air India feature cabins originally built for Aeroflot and were acquired from Airbus after the Russian airline was unable to take delivery due to sanctions. Additionally, Air India also has 20 A350-900 aircraft on order.
Air India’s fleet management plans
Also, Air India Express is preparing to induct its first Boeing 737-8 MAX built specifically for the airline. This aircraft will be registered VT-RNT upon delivery. Its existing fleet of around 50 737-8 MAX aircraft largely comprises jets originally manufactured for other carriers, mainly Chinese airlines that deferred deliveries. This brand new 737-8 Max will be the first of a 190 aircraft order for this type.