Check out the full video on YouTube!
INTRODUCTION
Ever since I heard Air India started deploying their brand new line fit 787-9s to Frankfurt, I had to try it out. On my way from Washington to Mumbai, I decided to fly via Frankfurt and try out the new product. Unfortunately, the morning of my flight my aircraft was swapped to an older, Vistara 787-9. Air India operate one flight each from Mumbai and Delhi to Frankfurt, normally the Delhi flight receives the Vistara aircraft. For some reason Air India's operations team decided to swap the aircraft on the return legs. I tried my best to switch over to the Delhi flight however, since this was on the same day as major Middle Eastern airspace closure, a lot of people were rebooked onto these flights and both flights were overbooked. I'm just grateful to be able to have reached my destination safely.
CHECK IN & LOUNGE
After a quick check-in process, as Air India has priority check-in for business class and Star Alliance Gold passengers I headed over through to immigration, which was an incredibly long line, around an hour at least.
After passing through immigration, I had enough time to check out the Lufthansa business class lounge. The lounge is large and spacious with a variety of seating options. There was a decent selection of drinks and cold items, but a very limited selection of hot dishes after spending about 20 minutes in the lounge it was time to to board the aircraft.
BOARDING
Today's aircraft was an ex Vistara 787–9, VT-TSE. I had previously flown on this aircraft three years ago between Mumbai and Delhi while it was still owned by Vistara after Air India's merger with Vistara the aircraft entered Air India's fleet in 2024.
The aircraft I was supposed to fly VT-AWA was sitting at the next gate.
Because of airspace closure in the Gulf being enforced while the inbound aircraft was en route, the flight arrived 45 minutes late. This effectively led to a 1 hour 20 minute late departure from Frankfurt.
The cabin has 30 business class seats laid out in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration. The seat is identical to what Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines use on their 787s. Seats closer to the aisle of a far less privacy than seats that are closer to the window. Additionally, odd number middle seats are best for couples.
Since I was originally booked on Air India's new 787 I selected seat 7K which unfortunately cabin to be a seat closer to the aisle on this old aircraft. Waiting at my seat was what looked like a pillow, but actually a mattress topper. A pillow, blanket, slippers, and the menu the crew came around to serve a welcome drink and a refreshing hot towel.
The seat itself was very spacious and comfortable.
A few German passengers were arguing and trying to get off the aircraft, I'm guessing due to the escalating situation in the Gulf. However, the ground handling team did not permit them to deplane as it would "disrupt the rest of the passengers".
We finally pushed back 30 minutes behind the delayed departure time with Air India's classical Indian dance theme safety video playing.
INFLIGHT
After takeoff, the crew came around and handed us amenity kits and pajamas. There was also complementary unlimited Wi-Fi available on flight, which worked pretty well.
I changed into the pajamas, which were available in different sizes and was incredibly comfortable.
I started off with a Mojito and some nuts from the bar.
I then had the smoked salmon for my starter.
For main course, I chose the Indian option, which was the chicken tikka. I only wish the portion size of the chicken was larger. It came with a side of rice, naan, black daal and some yogurt. I was also served bread basket with butter.
For dessert, I chose the cheese platter
The seat also has a little storage area beside the seat with a mirror, reading lights and charging ports.
It was then time to go to sleep. The mattress was thick and comfortable and so was the bedding. I was also provided a thin day blanket.
Even though the bed was a little bit narrow, especially around the feet it was comfortable. Being closer to the aisle did get a little bit disturbing so I would definitely recommend a seat closer to the window.
After managing to get a few hours of sleep, I was awoken for breakfast, which was an arrangement of pastries, fruit and floured yogurt.
I then check out the entertainment system, which had a good selection of International and Indian movies and TV shows. It also had a moving map.
The amenity kit from forest essentials, which is a local Indian brand was well stocked with an eye mask, socks, and various lotions.
I had a cup of tea before landing
We then started our descent into Mumbai.
After a great flight, we landed into Mumbai a couple hours behind schedule due to the detour. I had a very tight connection on Air India itself to Dehradun which I luckily made.
Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8wIBjviF7eM?si=FiSZdYdQfrHmEXPw
Overall, a very good flight with nice FA's and enjoyable catering. No complain about the hard product. AI did very well this time. Let's hope that will be confirmed in the very short future!