Air India launches commercial operations with 787, receives second 787

Air India launched (19-Sep-2012) commercial operations with Boeing 787 equipment on 19-Sep-2012, on the Delhi-Chennai sector, followed by Delhi-Bangalore service. The aircraft is configured with 256 seats, comprising 18 business class seats and 238 economy class seats. The aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic sectors with daily frequency (A320 and 737 equipment will operate the other daily services on the sectors) before being deployed internationally in the upcoming winter schedule. Meanwhile, Air India reportedly stated a second 787 arrived in India on 19-Sep-2012, according to The Hindu Business Line. The aircraft will be used initially on service from Delhi to Kolkata and potentially either Dubai or Kathmandu. This marks the delivery of the first South Carolina-manufactured 787. [more - original PR]