Air India will deploy its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the Delhi-Melbourne route from July 1, replacing the existing Boeing 787-8 and significantly enhancing premium seating capacity, passenger comfort and onboard services.
The upgraded aircraft will also introduce First Class on the route for the first time, as the Tata Group-owned airline continues its fleet and product transformation.
Premium seat capacity gets a major boost
Configured in a three-class layout, the upgraded Boeing 777-300ER features 8 First Class suites, 40 fully flat Business Class seats and 280 Economy Class seats.
This marks a significant increase in premium capacity compared with the Boeing 787-8 currently operating on the route, which offers 28 Business Class and 241 Economy Class seats.
The deployment is aimed at providing a more consistent long-haul travel experience in line with Air India’s strategy of becoming a world-class global carrier.
Enhanced onboard experience
Passengers travelling between Delhi and Melbourne will benefit from several new features, including private First Class suites with leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, personalised service and an enhanced dining experience.
Business Class passengers will have access to fully flat beds with improved comfort, space and privacy.
For the first time on this route, Air India will offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout the flight.
The airline has also refreshed its food and beverage offerings with curated international and Indian menus, premium wines and spirits, while expanding its inflight entertainment library with a wider selection of movies, television shows and music.
Improved ground experience
The upgraded aircraft complements Air India’s broader investments in improving the customer journey, including access for eligible premium passengers to the airline’s flagship Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport.
The lounge offers upgraded dining, seating and hospitality services, providing an enhanced pre-flight experience.
Australia remains a key market
Air India said Australia continues to be an important international market, supported by growing demand from both business and leisure travellers.
The airline currently operates four weekly non-stop flights between Delhi and Melbourne and plans to increase the frequency to daily services from September 1, 2026.
The Delhi-Melbourne service also provides same-terminal onward connections through Delhi to several European destinations, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan and Zurich.
In addition, Air India operates non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney, offering seamless connectivity to destinations across the UK and Europe.