**Air India Welcomes First Custom Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Post-Privatization**
Air India, now under the Tata Group, has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner since the airline’s privatization approximately four years ago. This aircraft marks a significant milestone as it is the airline’s first line-fit Dreamliner, specifically tailored for Air India. The title transfer of the aircraft was completed at Boeing’s Everett factory in Seattle on January 7, as reported by PTI.
Following thorough inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), this Dreamliner, which is the first acquired by Air India since Tata’s takeover in January 2022, is anticipated to arrive in India shortly. The new aircraft boasts a three-class configuration, featuring economy, premium economy, and business class seating.
The last Dreamliner added to Air India’s fleet was in October 2017, during the period of government ownership. According to an official statement, this new addition is Air India’s first wide-body aircraft and the 52nd delivery overall from the 220 Boeing jets ordered in 2023. Air India Express has already received 51 narrow-body Boeing 737-8s, including its inaugural line-fit aircraft delivered in late December.
Since Tata’s acquisition in January 2022, Air India has placed orders for 350 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft. Of the Airbus order, six A350s have already been integrated into the Air India fleet. Currently, Air India operates 26 B787-8s and six B787-9s that were previously part of Vistara, which has since merged with Air India. The Air India Group now manages over 300 aircraft, with 185 assigned to Air India and the remainder to Air India Express.
Looking ahead, an additional dozen legacy Dreamliners with updated interiors are expected to return to service by 2026. Last November, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson announced plans for the Air India Group to add 26 wide-body and narrow-body aircraft by the end of 2026, aiming for 81% of its international flights to be operated with upgraded aircraft.
**FAQ**
*What is a line-fit aircraft?*
A line-fit aircraft is one that is built specifically for a particular airline, incorporating custom features and configurations tailored to the airline’s operational needs.