Air India has inducted another Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into its fleet, with aircraft VT-AWD arriving in Delhi following its delivery from Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington. The aircraft is the airline’s fourth line-fit Boeing 787-9 delivered in 2026, supporting its wider fleet renewal programme.
The aircraft’s acceptance was led by Yuvraj Puri, Chief Manager Technical Services (Engineering), along with teams across engineering, product, customer experience and operations. The delivery process involved detailed coordination with Boeing from the aircraft’s specification stage through to final acceptance.
As part of the process, Air India’s teams reviewed technical and passenger-facing elements including the cabin configuration, avionics, engines, seating, lighting, inflight entertainment and onboard technology.
The new aircraft features Bluetooth-enabled inflight entertainment systems, allowing passengers across Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class to connect wireless headphones to seatback screens. It also comes with electronically dimmable windows that can be operated through the inflight entertainment system.
Before the aircraft was accepted, Air India’s delivery team conducted extensive inspections covering its technical systems, airworthiness, flight controls and cabin features. The process involved approximately 400–500 inspection points, followed by ground checks and flight testing.
The aircraft subsequently underwent Boeing and US Federal Aviation Administration checks, along with the regulatory requirements of India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before being cleared to enter service.
Following completion of the inspections and regulatory procedures, VT-AWD completed its ferry flight to India. The aircraft will now join Air India’s operating fleet and begin carrying passengers as part of the airline’s continuing fleet modernisation and renewal strategy.
