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The first of six Air India Boeing 787-9 widebodies equipped with Thales’ Avant Up in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform entered service on Sunday, February 1. India's flag carrier displayed the updated aircraft at the Wings India show in Hyderabad last week.
Air India's IFE upgrade is part of a cabin interior design and fleet renewal for the airline's Dreamliners overseen by JPA Design. This has resulted in new interiors for the economy, premium economy, and business class cabins.
The new IFE system supports the latest iteration of Air India’s Vista IFE offering with more than 3,000 hours of content in multiple languages. The hardware and software package includes Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays with a new user interface for features such as interactive 3D maps and route programming. The installation includes Bluetooth connections for wireless headphones and other devices, plus Thales’ Pulse power supply for up to 60 watts of in-screen USB-A and USB-C high-speed charging.
According to JPA, its cabin design is the first work it has done for Air India’s twin-aisle fleet and reflects “contemporary Indian identity.” Signature colors include soft cream, pink, reds, warm golds, and rich purples.
In all cabins, improved stowage spaces for passengers have been included, plus new surfaces and finishes throughout the aircraft interior with what the design bureau described as soft curves and warm lighting cues.
“Our design goal was to create an interior that feels modern, elegant, and deeply considered, while staying true to the vibrancy and warmth that define Indian hospitality,” said Richard D’Cruze, managing director at JPA Design. “Every detail has been designed to bring Air India’s renewed ambition to life, delivering a world-class experience for passengers from the moment they step on board.”
Last Thursday, Air India confirmed orders for 30 more 737 Max narrowbody jets that took its order backlog with Boeing to 200. Announcing the deal at the Wings India show, the airline finalized previously agreed "incremental purchases" of 20 737-8s and confirmed itself as the customer for 10 more 737-10s that were already included in the airframer's orders tally.