New Air India Dreamliner Starts Flights Under Restrictions

Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will enter commercial service with a set of temporary operational limitations and pending regulatory approvals.

What is happening now: the immediate operational picture

From February 1, Air India will deploy its newly configured Boeing 787-9 on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route, but with two notable restrictions in place while the airline awaits certain clearances from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aircraft carries a modern cabin layout and several premium features, but a subset of those features will remain unavailable to passengers until certification matters are resolved.

Key limitations implemented at launch

• Business class privacy doors: Sliding doors in the business class suites will remain fixed in the open position and cannot be used by passengers until the FAA grants its approval.
• Blocked economy seats: A total of 18 economy seats have been physically blocked from sale and use pending a regulatory interpretation and final certification.

Aircraft configuration at a glance

Why these restrictions exist

The limitations stem from pending regulatory approvals rather than fundamental design failures. Air India has clarified that the affected seat model (RECARO 3710) is a certified product in global operation, but a specific regulatory interpretation is affecting a subset of seats on this particular installation. Separately, the sliding privacy doors—a notable feature in many modern business-class suites—require explicit FAA sign-off before being permitted for passenger use in operations involving US regulatory oversight.

Stakeholders and their roles

• Air India: Operating the aircraft with temporary measures and coordinating with the manufacturer and regulators.
• FAA: Responsible for the certification and regulatory approval for seat installations and movable cabin features.
• Manufacturer (RECARO) and Boeing: Engaged in resolution processes; Boeing declined comment while regulatory work is ongoing.

Fleet context and near-term additions

The new B787-9 is the first custom-made Dreamliner to join Air India since the Tata Group’s full takeover in January 2022. It joins an existing fleet that already includes several 787 variants. Current fleet counts cited by the airline indicate 33 Boeing 787s in service, comprising legacy 787-8s and 787-9s from prior acquisitions and transfers, including aircraft from Vistara.

Planned deliveries and retrofits

• Five additional wide-body aircraft are expected to be added in 2026: three Boeing 787-9s and two Airbus A350-1000s.
• Legacy Boeing 787 aircraft are undergoing progressive retrofit programs to align interiors and products with the airline’s current standards.
• The certification limitations noted apply only to this new B787-9; the retrofitted 787-8s have completed their separate certification processes and their features are available for passengers.

Operational impact on passengers and routes

Passengers on the initial Mumbai–Frankfurt services will experience the new product design but without the use of the business class sliding doors and with a small number of economy seats taken out of inventory. Air India has stated that all other seat functions and cabin amenities are available. Sales and seat maps for the flight will reflect the blocked seats until the FAA or relevant authority issues the outstanding approvals.

Practical implications for travelers

• Business class customers will retain the overall suite layout and in-seat amenities, but will not be able to close the sliding privacy doors.
• Economy passengers should not expect an increase in crowding beyond normal load factors; the 18 blocked seats are specific and accounted for in booking systems.
• Full access to all features will be restored immediately upon receipt of the necessary certifications.

Historical context and regulatory patterns

The certification of cabin modifications, seats and in-flight features has long been a detailed and sometimes protracted process. Regulators such as the FAA evaluate not only the seat structure and restraint systems but also operational impacts—including evacuation procedures, cabin crew access and in-flight safety considerations. Airlines frequently introduce new cabin products only after close coordination with manufacturers and authorities; however, final interpretations can vary across jurisdictions, prompting temporary operational workarounds.

Precedents among other carriers

Recent years have seen other carriers encounter similar regulatory pauses for innovative seat designs and movable partitions. For example, some international airlines have temporarily limited or adjusted new business-class features while awaiting local certification, underscoring the global nature of aviation oversight and the need for harmonized approvals.

What to watch next

• FAA certification decisions regarding the sliding privacy doors and the 18 economy seats.
• Air India’s seat inventory updates and whether the blocked seats are returned to sale.
• Future delivery timelines for the additional wide-bodies slated to join the fleet in 2026.

Air India’s introduction of the tailored B787-9 highlights how airlines balance product ambition and regulatory compliance. The temporary measures ensure safe operations while the airline, manufacturers and regulators complete the outstanding certification tasks.

GetBoat is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news and developments, and will monitor how this story — touching on aircraft features, passenger experience and international route operations — could influence travel planning. From a travel perspective this update is relevant to a broad range of Destinations and activities: whether travelers are booking a sky-to-sea vacation that includes beaches, lakes or marinas, planning ocean or gulf cruises, considering yachting or fishing excursions, or weighing charter and superyacht options. The evolving status of aircraft cabins affects passenger comfort on long-haul legs to coastal resorts and island getaways, and informs decisions about timing, connections and travel logistics for those pursuing sailing, boating, beach time, water sports, or other sunseeker experiences.