Air India to Fly New Boeing 787 Dreamliner With Operational Limits Pending FAA Approvals

Air India is set to induct a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner into active service, though the aircraft will initially operate with certain limitations as the airline awaits specific approvals from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to the airline, the new Dreamliner has been delivered and is technically ready for service, but some operational clearances linked to FAA certification processes are still pending. As a result, Air India will deploy the aircraft on select routes where the limitations can be accommodated without impacting safety or regulatory compliance.

The restrictions are understood to be procedural rather than structural and do not raise safety concerns. Industry sources note that such interim operational constraints are not uncommon when new aircraft types or configurations are introduced, particularly when regulatory approvals span multiple jurisdictions.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner plays a central role in Air India’s widebody fleet renewal strategy. Under Tata Group ownership, the airline has been accelerating fleet modernisation to improve reliability, passenger experience and long‑haul network performance. The Dreamliner is a key asset for medium‑ and long‑haul international routes due to its fuel efficiency and range.

Air India has been working closely with regulators to secure the remaining approvals at the earliest opportunity. Once cleared, the airline expects the aircraft to be fully deployed across its international network, supporting expansion plans and schedule stabilisation.

Aviation analysts say the phased entry into service reflects Air India’s cautious approach as it rebuilds operational credibility. The airline has recently faced scrutiny over delays, maintenance challenges and capacity constraints, making regulatory compliance and reliability a top priority.

As additional approvals are granted, Air India plans to gradually remove the operational limitations, allowing the new Dreamliner to operate without restrictions. The induction marks another step in the carrier’s broader transformation as it seeks to compete more effectively with global full‑service airlines.

The development highlights the complex regulatory environment airlines navigate when inducting new aircraft, especially those operating across multiple international regulatory regimes.