Air India CEO Hints at More Boeing 787 Orders Amid Fleet Transformation Push

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson recently signaled that the airline may place orders for more Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This indication comes as the carrier prepares for a major expansion of its long-haul capabilities. Mr. Wilson stated that the Air India wide-body fleet expansion will see a "huge transformation" between 2027 and 2028.

His comments were made during a media event in Hyderabad. The event celebrated the arrival of the airline's first custom-made Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (VT-AWA). The new aircraft is set to begin commercial service on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route starting February 1.

Fleet Modernization and New Orders

Air India's current order book is substantial, totaling 570 aircraft. This includes both narrow-body and wide-body jets. The new Boeing 787-9 is the first wide-body aircraft delivered from the 470-aircraft order signed three years ago.

During the special flight, Wilson referenced the existing order for 20 Dreamliners. He noted that "at least 20 line fit aircraft (are expected)" and used the phrase "at least" to suggest more orders are coming. This potential order signals Air India's commitment to the Boeing [https://www.boeing.com] wide-body platform.

This delivery is a major milestone in the airline’s five-year Vihaan.Al transformation programme. The program aims to restore Air India to a world-class global carrier. Since the Tata Group takeover in January 2022, nearly 100 new and leased aircraft have joined the group's fleet.

Regulatory and Cabin Details

The new Boeing 787-9 will initially operate with certain limitations. Air India is awaiting approvals from the US watchdog FAA [https://www.faa.gov] for specific cabin features.

• Business Class Suites: The new sliding privacy doors will remain fixed in the open position. This is due to pending FAA certification for this specific feature.
• Economy Class Seats: The airline is also awaiting approval for 18 economy class seats. These seats will be blocked and not sold until certification is complete.

Air India expects to receive the necessary regulatory clearance soon. The aircraft is otherwise cleared to fly and meets all safety standards.

The Long-Haul Product Upgrade

The new cabin interiors will set the standard for the entire Air India [https://www.airindia.com] Boeing 787 fleet. In addition to the 19 more production aircraft, all 26 existing Boeing 787-8s are being retrofitted.

This retrofit program is well underway. The first upgraded aircraft is expected back in service soon. The entire legacy 787 fleet refurbishment should be complete by mid-2027. The new aircraft features a mood lighting system. This system is designed to align with passenger circadian rhythms on long-haul flights.

Air India acknowledged the delivery delay. Wilson attributed the wait to ongoing industry supply chain challenges. This aggressive fleet modernization is crucial in India's competitive and rapidly growing aviation market.

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