Air India has announced a significant upgrade to its Delhi–Melbourne service with the introduction of its refurbished Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, replacing the Boeing 787-8 currently operating the route. Effective from July 1, the enhanced aircraft brings a completely upgraded cabin product, offering passengers greater comfort, expanded premium seating capacity and improved onboard connectivity.
The deployment marks another step in Air India’s ongoing fleet modernisation and cabin refurbishment programme, which is aimed at delivering a more competitive long-haul passenger experience across its international network.
For the first time on the Delhi–Melbourne route, passengers will also have access to First Class cabins and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, enhancing the airline’s premium offering on one of its key Australia services.
Increased premium capacity
Configured in a three-class layout, the upgraded Boeing 777-300ER offers eight First Class suites, 40 fully flat Business Class seats and 280 Economy Class seats. Compared with the Boeing 787-8 previously operating the route, which featured 28 Business Class seats and 241 Economy Class seats, the larger aircraft substantially increases both premium and overall passenger capacity.
The additional premium seating reflects Air India’s growing focus on serving business travellers, premium leisure passengers and corporate customers travelling between India and Australia.
First class debuts on the route
One of the most notable enhancements is the introduction of First Class, which is being offered on the Delhi–Melbourne route for the first time. The First Class cabin features private suites equipped with leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, providing passengers with enhanced privacy and comfort during the long-haul journey. The experience is complemented by personalised onboard service, premium dining and upgraded ground services designed to deliver a seamless luxury travel experience.
The addition strengthens Air India’s premium portfolio as the airline works to reposition itself among leading global full-service carriers.
Upgraded business class product
Business Class passengers will also benefit from a significantly enhanced cabin experience. The aircraft is equipped with fully flat Business Class beds, offering improved comfort, greater personal space and enhanced privacy for long-duration flights. Air India has also refreshed the cabin soft products, including upgraded dining and service elements, to provide a more consistent premium experience.
The expanded Business Class capacity also allows the airline to better cater to increasing demand from corporate travellers and frequent flyers on the India–Australia corridor.
Connected throughout the journey
For the first time on this route, Air India will offer onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling passengers to remain connected throughout the flight. The addition of internet access aligns with evolving passenger expectations, particularly among business travellers who increasingly rely on continuous connectivity for work, communication and entertainment during long-haul journeys. The availability of Wi-Fi further strengthens the airline’s onboard product and brings the Delhi–Melbourne service in line with international premium travel standards.
Enhanced dining and entertainment
Beyond seating upgrades, Air India has introduced improvements to its inflight service. Passengers can expect refreshed food and beverage offerings featuring a carefully curated selection of international cuisine alongside Indian favourites. Premium cabins will also offer an expanded selection of wines and spirits designed to complement the enhanced dining experience.
The airline has also upgraded its inflight entertainment offering with a broader content library featuring international and regional movies, television programmes, music and other digital entertainment options catering to diverse passenger preferences.
Together, these enhancements contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable onboard experience across all travel classes.
Premium experience
Air India’s investment in customer experience extends beyond the aircraft itself. Eligible premium passengers departing from Delhi will have access to the airline’s flagship Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The lounge offers upgraded dining, comfortable seating, dedicated workspaces and enhanced hospitality services, providing travellers with a seamless premium experience from check-in through boarding.
The combination of upgraded lounge facilities and enhanced cabin interiors reflects Air India’s broader strategy of improving the complete passenger journey.
Supporting network expansion
Air India currently operates four non-stop flights per week between Delhi and Melbourne and plans to increase the frequency to daily services from September 1, 2026. The upgraded Boeing 777-300ER not only provides additional seating capacity but also strengthens the airline’s ability to accommodate growing passenger demand while delivering a more competitive onboard product.
The service also offers convenient same-terminal connections through Delhi to several major European destinations, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan and Zurich, enhancing Air India’s position as an emerging international hub connecting Australia, India and Europe.
Cabin modernisation at the heart of Air India’s transformation
The introduction of the upgraded Boeing 777-300ER on the Delhi–Melbourne route reflects Air India’s wider transformation strategy centred on fleet renewal, modernised cabin interiors and enhanced passenger experiences.
With redesigned premium cabins, expanded seating capacity, onboard Wi-Fi, upgraded dining and improved entertainment, the airline continues to invest in products that meet evolving customer expectations while strengthening its competitiveness in the international long-haul market.
For Aircraft Interiors Today readers, the deployment demonstrates how cabin refurbishment programmes are increasingly becoming strategic tools for airlines seeking to elevate passenger experience without waiting for the delivery of new-generation aircraft. As competition intensifies across long-haul markets, investments in seating, connectivity, cabin aesthetics and premium services are playing a critical role in differentiating airline brands and driving customer loyalty.
