Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Air India Receives Fourth Boeing 787-9 as Fleet Modernisation Accelerates
Air India has received a new Boeing airplane called the 787-9 Dreamliner.
It is the fourth new 787-9 delivered to the airline.
The plane has Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
It also includes newer entertainment systems, wireless charging and more comfortable cabin features.
The airplane can carry more passengers and cargo on very long flights, according to Air India.
The airline is waiting for 16 more Boeing 787-9s.
It also expects to receive its first Airbus A350-1000 before the end of 2026.
At the same time, Air India is upgrading 26 older Boeing airplanes.
Air India received its fourth factory-fresh Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered VT-AWD, on August 30, 2026.
The aircraft arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after flying from Boeing’s Everett facility with a refuelling stop in San Bernardino.
The new 787-9 features three cabin classes, upgraded entertainment systems, wireless charging and updated cabin ergonomics.
Air India has received four Boeing 787-9s and is awaiting 16 more, while expecting its first Airbus A350-1000 by the end of 2026.
The airline is spending $400 million to retrofit 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft, targeting modernised interiors across more than 60% of its long-haul widebody fleet.
- Who
- Air India, the Tata Group-backed airline.
- What
- The airline received its fourth factory-fresh Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and outlined further fleet deliveries and cabin upgrades.
- When
- The aircraft arrived on Sunday, August 30, 2026; Air India expects an Airbus A350-1000 by the end of 2026.
- Where
- The aircraft landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi after departing Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington.
- Why
- The delivery is part of Air India’s fleet renewal and operational overhaul, including expanded capacity and modernised cabins.
- Aircraft received
- Four factory-fresh Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
- Additional 787-9s expected
- 16
- Airbus A350-900 aircraft received
- Six
- A350-1000 timeline
- First delivery expected by the end of 2026
- Firm aircraft order book
- 600 aircraft across Airbus and Boeing
- Legacy fleet retrofit
- $400 million for 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft
- Cabin target
- More than 60% of the long-haul widebody fleet expected to have modernised interiors by late 2026