Air India will introduce its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 into service on 1 February 2026 on the Delhi to Frankfurt route despite certification delays from the US Federal Aviation Administration.
The aircraft features a new configuration with 30 business class suites, 28 premium economy seats, and 238 economy seats, but only 220 economy seats will be available for sale initially.
All 30 business class suites will operate with sliding doors fixed open as the relevant certification remains pending.
Eighteen economy class seats face restrictions due to regulatory interpretation issues related to the RECARO 3710 seats, which are otherwise certified and used by other airlines. The airline confirmed that these limitations apply only to new line-fit 787-9s, while inherited Vistara aircraft and legacy 787-8s remain unaffected.
Air India shared in a written statement: “The seat product itself (RECARO 3710) is fully certified and in regular operation on many airlines worldwide; however, there is a regulatory interpretation affecting the 18 specific seats that we are working with the manufacturer and regulator to resolve. The 18 specific seats will only be offered for sale once full certification is received.”
