Air India A350 vs Boeing 787: London–Delhi Cabin Guide

As part of Air India's multi-billion-dollar fleet renewal under Tata Group ownership, the London Heathrow (LHR) to Delhi (DEL) corridor is the showcase route for the airline's brand-new Airbus A350-900. However, Air India still operates its workhorse Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on several daily departures on the same route. Here is how the two aircraft compare.

Air India's long-haul transformation on London–Delhi

Air India typically operates up to three daily nonstop flights between London Heathrow and Delhi Indira Gandhi International. Historically operated exclusively by the Boeing 787-8, selected daily frequencies (such as AI 162 departing London in the morning and AI 161 from Delhi) now feature the newly inducted Airbus A350-900.

Seat pitch, layout and cabin specifications compared

• Economy Class (A350-900): 3-3-3 configuration with 31-inch seat pitch, ergonomic headrests, and 12-inch 4K touchscreen displays.
• Economy Class (Boeing 787-8): 3-3-3 configuration with 31–33 inch seat pitch, standard recline, and earlier-generation Panasonic screens.
• Premium Economy (A350-900 only): Dedicated 2-4-2 cabin with 38-inch seat pitch, 8-inch recline, calf rests, and enhanced catering. (The B787-8 does not feature Premium Economy).
• Business Class (A350-900): 1-2-1 layout featuring private suites with full sliding privacy doors, 79-inch lie-flat bed, personal wardrobe and 21-inch 4K screen.
• Business Class (Boeing 787-8): 2-2-2 forward-facing lie-flat seats without direct aisle access for window seats.

In-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi and cabin acoustics

The most noticeable difference for economy passengers is the in-flight entertainment (IFE). The A350 features Panasonic's latest eX3 system with crisp 4K resolution, Bluetooth audio pairing for personal headphones, USB-C fast charging at every seat, and high-speed Wi-Fi capability.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, while featuring an older generation IFE system, excels in cabin altitude: its composite airframe is pressurized to 6,000 feet (compared to 7,500–8,000 feet in conventional metal airliners) and maintains higher ambient humidity, which noticeably reduces dehydration and jet lag on an 8.5-hour flight.

How to identify which flight operates the A350 vs 787

When searching for flights on exitfare or Google Flights, check the aircraft equipment field in the flight card:

1. 01
   AI 162 / AI 161 (Daytime service)

   Departs London Heathrow mid-morning and arrives in Delhi late evening. This service is typically scheduled on the Airbus A350-900.

2. 02
   AI 112 / AI 164 (Evening departures)

   Typically scheduled on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner or Boeing 777-300ER, departing London late afternoon or evening.

Does booking the A350 cost more?

In Economy class, Air India does not charge a surcharge for the A350; fares are matched with the 787 on the same route. However, because travellers actively seek out the A350 for its superior cabin, promotional economy fare buckets on AI 162 can sell out earlier than on other flights.

• London to Delhi direct flight timetable and live fare lookup
• How to use Google Flights to track equipment and fares
• Flight booking checklist: equipment, baggage and PNR rules

Your booking is confirmed only after your airline PNR and e-ticket have been issued.

Frequently asked questions about Air India's London fleet