Air India Launches New Boeing 787-9 with Reduced Seating amid Certification Delays

Regulatory clearances delay full use of seating on Air India’s latest Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Air India is set to introduce its newly delivered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner into service on February 1, 2026, but the aircraft will begin operations with reduced seating capacity due to pending regulatory approvals. The first flight is scheduled on the Delhi–Frankfurt route, marking an important step in the airline’s fleet modernization plan.

According to reports, Air India will temporarily block 18 seats in the economy class, making them unavailable for sale. In addition, all 30 business class suites on the aircraft will operate with their sliding doors locked in the open position. While the seat design itself is already certified and widely used by airlines around the world, specific regulatory interpretations linked to this aircraft’s configuration are still under review by aviation authorities.

The airline has clarified that the issue does not relate to the quality or safety of the seats, but to certification requirements that must be formally cleared before full functionality can be offered to passengers. Air India is working closely with the seat manufacturer and regulators to resolve the matter.

Once fully approved, the Boeing 787-9 will accommodate up to 296 passengers across three classes: business, premium economy, and economy. Until then, only 220 of the 238 economy seats will be sold.

Air India already operates six Boeing 787-9 aircraft inherited from Vistara, which are not affected by these issues. The airline also continues to retrofit its existing 787-8 fleet.

Despite the temporary limitations, the new Dreamliner’s entry into service highlights Air India’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its long-haul experience and strengthen its position in international aviation.