Air India Sends Its First Line-Fit 787-9 to Frankfurt, Reconnects Delhi with Shanghai

Air India reached an important moment in its transformation journey today, combining network expansion with a visible upgrade in passenger experience.

In a single afternoon, the airline launched its first made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9 into commercial service and, at the same time, restored non-stop connectivity between Delhi and Shanghai after nearly six years.

The twin developments reflect a broader shift underway at the national carrier—one focused on modern aircraft, thoughtfully designed cabins, and a stronger presence on key global routes.

Delhi–Shanghai back on the map

After a long absence, Air India has resumed direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai, reconnecting India’s capital with one of Asia’s most important business and cultural hubs. Flight AI352 departed Delhi at 1207 hrs IST, marking the return of non-stop services to mainland China.

The route will operate four times a week using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Its return is expected to benefit business travellers, families, and tourists, while also strengthening trade and people-to-people links between the two countries. For Air India, it restores a strategically important city pair that had been missing from its international network.

First line-fit B787-9 enters service

While the Delhi–Shanghai flight took off in the north, Mumbai witnessed another significant first. Air India’s newly inducted air india boeing 787 9, registered VT-AWA, departed for Frankfurt as flight AI2027, becoming the first line-fit Dreamliner delivered with interiors custom-designed specifically for the airline.

This aircraft is the first to feature Air India’s completely redesigned cabins, unveiled in January 2026, and sets the template for upgrades that will be rolled out across the airline’s entire 787 fleet.

A new standard inside the cabin

The new air india 787-9 brings a noticeably upgraded onboard experience across all classes. Business Class features 30 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering direct aisle access, fully flat beds up to 79 inches long, wireless charging, ample storage, and large 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens.

Premium Economy appears as a clearly differentiated cabin, with 28 wide seats arranged in a 2-3-2 layout. Passengers benefit from a 38-inch pitch, enhanced recline, calf and leg rests, and 13.3-inch 4K screens, aimed squarely at long-haul comfort.

Economy Class has also been refreshed, with 238 ergonomically designed seats, improved cushioning, and 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreens, offering a more comfortable experience on long international sectors.

Across all cabins, passengers will find Thales AVANT Up in-flight entertainment, USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and new mood lighting inspired by Indian wellness traditions.

Strengthening Europe connectivity with Frankfurt

Frankfurt remains one of Air India’s key European gateways, and deploying the new 787-9 on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route highlights the importance of the sector. The service offers convenient daytime departures from India and overnight returns from Germany, catering to both business and leisure travellers.

With this deployment, Frankfurt becomes the first international destination to see Air India’s new long-haul interiors in regular service.

Bookings now open

Both the Delhi–Shanghai and Mumbai–Frankfurt services are available for booking across all channels, including air india new 787 9 website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and travel agents worldwide.

With new aircraft taking shape in the skies and long-paused routes returning to life, air india transformation is becoming increasingly tangible—seen not just in announcements, but in daily operations.

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