Air India Upgrades Delhi–Melbourne Service with Boeing 777-300ER, Introduces First Class

By Aniruddha Pal | Sangbad Prabhakar Times

NEW DELHI, India: Air India will upgrade its non-stop Delhi–Melbourne service with the deployment of a modernised Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from July 1, 2026, introducing First Class on the route for the first time as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet transformation programme.

The upgraded aircraft, branded internally as the B777-Altavair, will replace the existing product on the daily service, offering passengers an enhanced travel experience across all cabin classes.

According to the airline, the aircraft will feature a three-class configuration comprising First, Business and Economy Class. Both First and Business Class cabins will be equipped with full-flat beds, while passengers across the aircraft will benefit from upgraded interiors, new inflight entertainment systems and premium onboard amenities.

The enhanced onboard offering includes gourmet meals and beverages, signature amenities, bespoke soft furnishings, and an improved dining experience designed to elevate long-haul travel between India and Australia.

Air India said the product upgrade reflects its broader strategy of modernising its widebody fleet and improving customer experience across international routes.

The airline’s daily schedule on the sector remains unchanged. Flight AI308 will depart New Delhi at 0120 hrs and arrive in Melbourne at 1900 hrs local time. The return service, AI309, will leave Melbourne at 2030 hrs and land in New Delhi at 0345 hrs the following day.

The Delhi–Melbourne route is one of Air India’s key long-haul services connecting India and Australia, serving business travellers, students, tourists and the Indian diaspora.

The carrier said the aircraft deployment marks another milestone in its fleet renewal programme and is expected to strengthen air connectivity between the two countries while delivering a more consistent premium travel experience.

Bookings for the upgraded service are now open, the airline said, adding that additional product enhancements across its international network are planned as the fleet modernisation programme continues.