Air India has deployed its newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Mumbai-London Heathrow route, introducing the airline’s latest-generation cabin products and inflight experience on one of its flagship international services.
Effective immediately, flights AI131/AI130 between Mumbai and London Heathrow will be operated using the new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring all-new cabin interiors designed exclusively for Air India and installed directly on Boeing’s production line.
The airline said these line-fit aircraft are the first Boeing 787s purpose-built for Air India, reflecting its new standards for passenger comfort, technology and customer experience.
Premium Economy introduced
With the deployment of the new aircraft, Air India has introduced Premium Economy on the Mumbai-London Heathrow route for the first time, expanding customer choice across Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The airline’s second daily Mumbai-London Heathrow service will continue to be operated using its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which offers First Class alongside refreshed cabin interiors.
New cabins offer enhanced comfort
The new Boeing 787-9 features a three-class configuration comprising 30 Business Class suites, 28 Premium Economy seats and 238 Economy seats.
Business Class passengers will have access to fully enclosed suites with direct aisle access, 79-inch fully flat beds, wireless charging, spacious personal storage and 17-inch 4K QLED HDR entertainment screens.
The newly introduced Premium Economy cabin offers wider seats in a 2-3-2 configuration with a 38-inch seat pitch, enhanced recline, adjustable headrests, leg and calf rests, along with 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens.
Economy Class has also been upgraded with ergonomically designed seats, 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR entertainment screens and integrated holders for personal electronic devices.
Technology-driven passenger experience
The aircraft is equipped with the Thales AVANT Up inflight entertainment system across all cabins, featuring high-definition touchscreens, Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, AC power outlets and an upgraded user interface.
Passengers can also pair their own Bluetooth-enabled headphones to access more than 3,000 hours of onboard entertainment.
Other enhancements include mood lighting inspired by ancient Indian wellness traditions, refreshed onboard menus featuring Indian and international cuisine, premium tableware, plush bedding and redesigned amenity kits.
UK remains a key international market
Air India said the United Kingdom continues to be one of its most important international markets, driven by strong demand from business travellers, leisure passengers and the Indian diaspora.
The airline currently operates 57 weekly non-stop flights between India and the UK, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Amritsar with London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham.
Through its India hubs, the carrier also offers onward connectivity to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.