Tata's Air India Takes First Custom Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: What's Next?

January 9, 2026 at 01:31 AM•3 min read

Tata Group-owned Air India received its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marking a major step in its fleet modernization and wide-body expansion plan.

Key Points

1Air India took delivery of its first custom-built, line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on January 7, 2026, at Boeing’s Everett factory.
2The aircraft is the first wide-body delivery from Air India's 2023 order of 220 Boeing jets, marking the 52nd overall delivery for the group.
3The new B787-9 features a three-class configuration (Business, Premium Economy, Economy), central to the Tata Group's fleet modernization strategy.
4Air India plans to have 81% of its international flights operated with upgraded aircraft by the end of 2026, including new deliveries and refurbished legacy Dreamliners.

Tata Group-owned Air India has received its first custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

This delivery is a significant milestone for the airline. It is the first line-fit Dreamliner since the Tata Group acquisition. A line-fit aircraft is built to the airline’s specific configuration. The title transfer was completed on January 7. This occurred at the Boeing Everett factory in Seattle.

Fleet Expansion and Modernization

This new aircraft is Air India's first wide-body delivery. It is the 52nd overall delivery from a massive 2023 order. That order included 220 Boeing jets. The Air India Group is currently operating over 300 aircraft. Air India itself operates 185 planes.

New Cabin Product

The Air India Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner features a three-class layout. This new design includes economy, premium economy, and business class seats. This three-class configuration signals a focus on premium passenger experience. The last line-fit Dreamliner was acquired in October 2017. That was when the carrier was still government-owned.

Following the title transfer, the aircraft awaits its arrival in India. It must first undergo mandatory inspections. These are conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The Historic Aircraft Order

Air India’s Tata Group fleet modernization is well underway. Following the January 2022 takeover, the airline placed a historic order. This included 350 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft. The group has already inducted six Airbus A350 wide-body jets. Air India Express, the low-cost arm, has received 51 narrow-body Boeing 737-8s. This includes its first line-fit narrow-body plane in late December.

Air India also operates 32 Dreamliners inherited from the Vistara merger. This includes 26 B787-8s and six B787-9s. The integration of the Air India Group fleet is a complex process. This is a key story in commercial aviation news.

Future Plans and Industry Impact

The arrival of this line-fit wide-body delivery is crucial. It supports Air India’s goal to compete on international routes. The airline plans a significant international flight upgrade. CEO Campbell Wilson stated a clear goal last November. By the end of 2026, 81% of international flights will use upgraded aircraft. This includes new and refurbished planes.

An additional dozen legacy Dreamliners will return to service. These will feature refreshed interiors. This refurbishment is expected to be completed by 2026. The entire program represents a major investment. It aims to transform the carrier's global standing. The Air India first wide-body delivery is a tangible step forward. It moves the airline closer to its ambitious goals.