New Delhi: Air India on Sunday marked a major step in its international revival by resuming non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai after a gap of nearly six years, while simultaneously inducting its first made-for-Air India Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring completely redesigned interiors on the Mumbai–Frankfurt sector.
The Delhi–Shanghai service, operating as flight AI352, departed Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after noon, re-establishing a direct air corridor between the Indian capital and one of Asia’s leading commercial and cultural hubs. The route will be operated four times a week using a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, catering to growing demand from business travellers, families and tourists as travel between India and China gradually picks up.
Around the same time, Air India’s newly inducted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as VT-AWA, took off from Mumbai for Frankfurt as flight AI2027. This flight marked the first commercial operation of the airline’s next-generation Dreamliner cabins, which were unveiled last month and are slated to be rolled out across the entire 787 fleet in phases.
According to the airline, the redesigned aircraft features a three-class configuration aimed at enhancing comfort on long-haul journeys. Business Class is equipped with private suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, offering direct aisle access, fully flat beds extending up to 79 inches, wireless charging, 17-inch 4K touchscreens and expanded personal storage.
Premium Economy has been introduced as a distinct cabin, with wider seats, improved recline, leg and calf rests and larger seat-back screens. Economy Class has also been upgraded with ergonomically designed seating and enhanced in-flight entertainment systems for long-distance travel.
Across all cabins, passengers will experience new mood lighting inspired by Indian wellness concepts, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment, and both Type A and Type C charging ports, reflecting Air India’s broader push to modernise its onboard product.
With the return of the Shanghai route and the entry of its first customised Dreamliner into active service, Air India has underlined its focus on strengthening international connectivity while accelerating its long-term transformation plan.
The airline will operate four weekly flights between Delhi and Shanghai, with departures from Delhi around noon and return flights leaving Shanghai late at night. On the Mumbai–Frankfurt route, daily services will continue, with afternoon departures from Mumbai and return arrivals the following morning.
