· First made-for-Air India B787-9 takes off for Frankfurt from Mumbai
· Air India’s Delhi-Shanghai flights resume today, boosting India-China connectivity
Air India marked two landmark developments in its continued effort to expand its international network and upgrade passenger experience. The first made-for-Air India B787-9, featuring custom-styled interiors, entered commercial operations today from Mumbai to Frankfurt, while simultaneously, Air India resumed its non-stop services between Delhi and Shanghai after nearly six years.
The Delhi-Shanghai flight (AI352) departed Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1207 hrs IST, reconnecting the Indian capital city with one of Asia's premier business and cultural hubs. This 4x weekly service, operated with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, restores Air India's direct access to mainland China and supports growing demand from business travellers, families, and tourists.
Parallelly, Air India's recently inducted B787-9 (registered VT-AWA) operating as AI2027 departed Mumbai at 1237 hrs IST operating to Frankfurt. This deployment marks the debut of Air India's completely redesigned cabin interiors, unveiled on 27 January 2026, which set a new standard for passenger comfort and will be rolled out across the airline's entire B787 fleet.
The new Boeing 787-9 features 30 Business Class suites in a spacious 1-2-1 layout, each offering direct aisle access, fully flat beds up to 79 inches long with a generous 42-inch pitch, wireless charging, large 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens and ample storage. Premium Economy, as a dedicated, upscale cabin, offers 28 wide seats with generous legroom in a 2-3-2 layout, providing a 38-inch pitch, enhanced recline, adjustable calf and leg rests, 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens, and more. Economy Class comprises 238 ergonomic seats, equipped with 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens and improved overall comfort tailored for long-haul flights. All three cabins feature Thales AVANT Up in-flight entertainment with high-definition touchscreens, Type A and C charging ports, new mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and bespoke design touches.
Air India’s flights between Delhi-Shanghai and Mumbai-Frankfurt remain available for booking across all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.
About Air India group
The Air India group – comprising of full-service global airline, Air India, and value carrier, Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation. The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 57 domestic and 49 international destinations across five continents.
Returning to the Tata Sons in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI. As part of the transformation, Air India has placed an order for 570 new aircraft. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India, respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2026, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit.
With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.
For more stories on Air India, visit http://www.airindia.com/newsroom
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