Sat Jan 24 06:01:46 UTC 2026: # Air India Faces FAA Approval Delays for New Boeing 787-9 Aircraft

The Story:

Air India’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft will commence commercial operations on February 1, 2026, on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route with limitations due to pending approvals from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The issues pertain to the sliding privacy doors in the business class suites and 18 economy class seats. The airline, owned by the Tata Group since January 2022, awaits the necessary certifications to fully utilize these features. While other seat features are operational, the affected business class doors will remain fixed in the open position, and the specified economy seats will be blocked from sale and use.

The airline spokesperson emphasized that these limitations apply only to the new Boeing 787-9 variant and not to the retrofitted Boeing 787-8 planes, which have already received the necessary regulatory approvals. Air India is actively working with the manufacturer and regulator to resolve the issues and expects approvals soon. Other airlines, including Lufthansa, are also reportedly awaiting regulatory certification for some business class seats in their new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Key Points:

  • Air India will operate its new Boeing 787-9 with limitations starting February 1, 2026.
  • The limitations stem from pending FAA approvals for business class privacy doors and 18 economy class seats.
  • The aircraft has 296 seats: 30 business class, 28 premium economy, and 238 economy class.
  • The Tata Group took ownership of Air India in January 2022.
  • The limitations apply only to the new Boeing 787-9 and not the retrofitted Boeing 787-8 planes.
  • Lufthansa is also reportedly awaiting approvals for some business class seats in their new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
  • Air India currently has 33 Boeing 787s – 26 legacy Boeing 787-8s and 7 Boeing 787-9s, including 6 from Vistara and the new one.

Key Takeaways:

  • Regulatory approvals can significantly impact the rollout and operation of new aircraft features.
  • The certification process for aircraft interiors is complex and can vary even within the same aircraft family.
  • Air India’s commitment to passenger comfort and functionality is dependent on timely regulatory approvals.
  • This situation highlights the interconnectedness of global aviation and regulatory bodies like the FAA.
  • The purchase of the new B787-9 is part of a larger plan to expand the fleet.

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