Overview
- Air India announced on Tuesday that it will operate an upgraded Boeing 777-300ER on Delhi–Melbourne flights from July 1, replacing the current 787-8 and adding eight First Class private suites.
- The three-class 777-300ER is configured with eight First suites, 40 fully flat Business Class seats and 280 Economy seats, materially raising premium capacity versus the previous layout.
- Passengers on the route will for the first time have in-flight Wi‑Fi and access to enhanced food and beverage choices, a larger entertainment library and Maharaja Lounge services for eligible premium travellers.
- Air India plans to increase frequency on the Delhi–Melbourne corridor from four weekly non-stop flights now to seven weekly services starting September 1, 2026.
- The move is presented as part of a broader Tata-era strategy to modernise Air India's fleet and lift its long-haul product to compete more directly with global full-service carriers, which should benefit business travellers, students and the Indian diaspora.