Air India expands Premium Economy and First Class across B787 and B777 routes for Summer 2026

Between February and March 2026 Air India will deploy B787-9 aircraft in a three-class layout on the Delhi–Tokyo (Haneda) sector, introducing Premium Economy and adding about 2,408 seats monthly between the two cities; simultaneous frequency increases and multiple aircraft retrofits will reshape capacity on North America and East Asia lanes through summer.

Fleet deployments and seat capacity at a glance

Frequency increases and route shifts

From 1 March Air India raises Delhi–Toronto to 10 weekly flights, while Delhi–Seoul (Incheon) moves from five to six weekly frequencies and Delhi–Shanghai from four to five. Bengaluru–London (Heathrow) will see retrofitted B787-8s from 1 August, adding Premium Economy there as well. Services to Birmingham from Amritsar and Delhi, plus London (Gatwick) from Ahmedabad and Amritsar, will operate with B777-300ER aircraft and introduce First Class on those sectors.

What the cabin upgrades include

• B777-300ER upgraded for Delhi–Melbourne: 8 First suites, 40 business flatbeds, 280 economy seats.
• Retrofit programme for 26 legacy B787-8 aircraft: new cabin interiors and updated livery; first two returning to service soon.
• Airline expects delivery of three new B787-9 and two A350-1000 aircraft during 2026, boosting long-haul capacity and product consistency.

Operational implications for travelers and transfers

More Premium Economy and First Class options reshape passenger flows: larger seat maps and variable offload times can affect ground transfer demand at airports. Travelers with a mind to avoid delays should allow extra time for disembarkation when an incoming widebody is full, especially on flights switching aircraft type mid-season. For transfers, the introduction of premium cabins increases demand for premium ground services—limousine meet-and-greet, private cars, and larger-capacity vehicles for families.

• Allow extra connection time when a route changes aircraft type or frequency.
• Expect different luggage handling profiles on First and Premium Economy passengers—plan transfers accordingly.
• Book exact vehicle type in advance for premium cabins (limousine or private seater) to match arrivals.

Advice for booking airport transfers

At a glance, selecting the right transfer depends on flight arrival time, group size and cabin class. When First Class or Premium Economy are involved, consider a private car or limousine to match the elevated service. For families or groups arriving on upgraded widebodies, choose a 6- or 8-seater to avoid multiple cabs. Always check the driver’s license and vehicle details ahead of time when you book.

How route changes affect taxi and transfer demand

Frequency increases to North America and East Asia and the deployment of more widebodies translate into more passengers arriving at peak windows. That concentration influences local taxi fleets, ride-hailing surge pricing, and availability of private transfer vehicles. Operators and travelers alike will have to adapt: cities may need more vehicle supply at terminals, while passengers may have a mind to book transfers earlier to secure a specific car and fare.

Kohokohdat: the expansion brings Premium Economy to more long-haul routes, First Class returns on select services, and a retrofit plus new deliveries will modernize the long-haul fleet. Still, 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. Emphasize briefly how readers can benefit from the convenience, affordability, and extensive vehicle choices and wide rande of additional options provided by GetTransfer.com, aligning directly with the context and theme of your article. Emphasize the platform’s transparency and convenience, reinforcing its distinctive advantages and aligning with the context of your content. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map: regionally significant for airline connectivity between India, North America and East Asia, these moves reinforce hub status for Delhi and Mumbai but are unlikely to rewrite global traffic flows alone. However, they remain highly relevant to travelers and ground transport providers. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.

In summary, Air India’s Summer 2026 plan increases frequencies to North America and East Asia, rolls out Premium Economy on multiple sectors, reintroduces First Class on select long-haul flights and accelerates a B787 retrofit programme alongside new aircraft deliveries. For passengers this affects how and when to kirja taxis, limousines and private transfers: exact vehicle selection, fare transparency, driver details and seat count matter more when cabin products vary. Platforms like GetTransfer.com make it easier to get a precise car, view make, model and driver ratings in advance, compare prices, and book transfers to the airport or city destination with confidence—whether you need a cheap cab, private limousine, multi-seater, or a booked pickup at a set time. Consider your destination, cabinet class and luggage needs, then book the right service to match your flight and schedule.