US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor congratulated Air India and Boeing after the airline received its second custom-built Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, describing the aircraft as “amazing” in a social media post shared on Sunday. The newest addition to Air India’s fleet arrived in New Delhi after completing a non-stop journey from Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Charleston, United States.
The aircraft, carrying registration number VT-AWB, landed in Delhi on Friday and features Air India’s newly introduced branding and cabin design. The airline said the Boeing 787-9 forms part of its long-term fleet modernization strategy focused on improving passenger comfort and strengthening premium international travel services.
Sharing excitement over the arrival, Air India stated that the aircraft would play a key role in upgrading long-haul operations while offering travelers a more refined onboard experience. The airline emphasized that the new Dreamliner reflects its broader vision of becoming a world-class global carrier.
Ambassador Gor reposted Air India’s announcement and praised both the airline and Boeing for the milestone delivery. His comments highlighted the growing aviation partnership between India and the United States, especially as Air India continues expanding and modernizing its international fleet.
The arrival of the second Boeing 787-9 follows the delivery of Air India’s first line-fit Dreamliner earlier this year. That aircraft, registered as VT-AWA, completed a nearly 17-hour non-stop flight from Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington state to New Delhi. The delivery marked a major moment in the airline’s transformation plans under its ongoing restructuring efforts.
Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson previously described 2026 as a defining year for the airline’s evolution. According to Wilson, Air India expects additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft and Airbus A350-1000 jets to join the fleet this year, significantly enhancing the carrier’s long-haul capabilities.
Wilson also noted that the airline plans to deploy more modern widebody aircraft on routes connecting India with Europe, East Asia, Australia, and other major global destinations. He added that the company aims to improve premium cabin offerings, increase business-class capacity, and elevate overall passenger experience for international travelers.
Beyond new aircraft deliveries, Air India is also retrofitting older Boeing 787-8 planes as part of its broader modernization strategy. The airline expects major changes to its international operations through 2027 and 2028, positioning itself as a stronger competitor in the global aviation market.
