Air India launches new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on Mumbai–Frankfurt with limited features pending FAA approval

Quick announcement

This piece explains the operational limits of Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as it begins commercial flights and what travelers should know when planning airport transfers and onward journeys.

What is available and what’s restricted

Air India’s latest custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner enters service on February 1 on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route, but a few seat features remain unavailable until regulators complete their review. The airline confirmed that the sliding privacy doors in business class will be fixed open, and a group of 18 economy seats will be blocked from sale and physically unavailable for passengers until full certification from the FAA is granted.

Seat configuration at a glance

Why these limits exist

The seat product itself (RECARO 3710) is certified and in regular use on many airlines, but a particular regulatory interpretation affects the 18 identified economy seats. Air India is coordinating with the manufacturer and relevant regulators to resolve the issue. The FAA declined to comment on ongoing certification work, and Boeing offered no public comment.

Operational context and fleet plans

This aircraft is the first custom Dreamliner delivered to Air India under Tata Group ownership. It joins a fleet that includes legacy Boeing 787s and several aircraft acquired from Vistara. Air India currently operates 33 Boeing 787s (26 Boeing 787-8 and 7 Boeing 787-9 including the newest delivery), with plans to take delivery of more wide-bodies in the coming years—three additional 787-9s and two A350-1000s expected in 2026. Retrofits to earlier 787-8s continue under separate certification processes; those retrofitted interiors are already certified and available to customers.

Comparison: retrofit vs. new fitout

• The new B787-9 follows a distinct interior certification path; some features remain pending regulatory sign-off.
• Retrofitted B787-8 interiors have completed certification and offer the approved seat features to passengers.
• Other global carriers are facing similar certification timelines for new business class suites on their 787-9s, so this is not unique to Air India.

Practical advice for travelers

Passengers booking flights on the new Dreamliner should keep these points in mind to avoid surprises on travel day and to plan their ground transfers accordingly.

• Check your seat assignment close to departure—blocked seats may cause nearby seat changes.
• If privacy doors matter to you, confirm the current status before selecting business class; doors may be fixed open.
• Allow extra time at the airport for any last-minute seat reassignments and for baggage or special service processing.
• Reserve an airport transfer with a provider that displays vehicle details and driver ratings so you can pick the car that suits your party and luggage needs.

How seat limitations can affect transfers and ground logistics

Blocked seats and interior differences can influence passenger load and luggage distribution, which in turn affects the type of ground vehicle best suited for groups. For example, larger parties or those needing extra luggage space may prefer a private minivan or a multi-seater option rather than a standard taxi. Booking a transfer with clear information about the vehicle model, seating capacity, and driver credentials helps ensure a smooth connection from the airport to your city destination.

For travelers who value transparency and want to choose an exact vehicle in advance, platforms that let you view the car make and model, driver rating and seating capacity—rather than an anonymous aggregator—can be particularly helpful when managing tight connection times or special seat requests.

Important highlights: the introduction of this custom Boeing 787-9 shows Air India’s fleet modernization is progressing, but some interior features remain temporarily limited due to regulatory processes; retrofitted 787-8s are unaffected and already certified. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t truly compare to personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide range of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, including clear pricing, vehicle photos and driver ratings, aligning directly with the context of this article. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner begins commercial service with temporary limitations on business class sliding doors and 18 economy seats due to pending FAA-related approvals. The jet’s seating layout (30 business, 28 premium economy, 238 economy) and the blocked seats may affect seat availability, boarding and luggage handling. For airport-to-city transfers, choosing the right vehicle and booking in advance—knowing exact fares, car type and driver license details—reduces stress and saves time. Platforms like GetTransfer.com make it easy to compare vehicle options, fares and driver ratings, so you can book the best private or shared transfer at a clear price and focus on enjoying your destination. taxi city destination airport exact service driver fare price app get car seat license companies limousine cheap services best Private seater fares cab time book location prices how much