Melbourne: Air India is strengthening its presence in Australia with frequent services connecting Delhi with Melbourne and Sydney, alongside upgraded aircraft, enhanced cabin interiors and improved onboard amenities as part of its wider transformation programme.

According to the airline’s 2026 fact sheet, Air India is operating 11 flights per week on the Delhi–Melbourne route and another 11 flights per week between Delhi and Sydney during the winter schedule.

The Melbourne–Delhi route is operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, while the Sydney–Delhi service uses the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

The airline’s upgraded Boeing 777-300ER operating on the Melbourne route offers a three-cabin configuration comprising eight First Class suites, 40 Business Class flatbeds and 280 Economy Class seats. The deployment introduced First Class on the Delhi–Melbourne route for the first time, while significantly increasing premium seating capacity.

Major fleet modernisation drive

The Australian expansion forms part of Air India’s broader transformation under Vihaan.AI, a five-year programme launched following the airline’s return to the Tata Group in January 2022.

The initiative focuses on expanding the airline’s network and fleet, improving operational reliability and on-time performance, upgrading the customer experience and strengthening its position in technology, sustainability and innovation.

Air India has placed orders for 600 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, including widebody aircraft for long-haul international operations and narrowbody aircraft for domestic and regional services. The airline began receiving aircraft from its initial orders in the second half of 2023 and is progressively renewing its fleet.

Alongside the introduction of new aircraft, Air India is investing US$400 million in refurbishing its legacy fleet. The programme began in September 2024 and includes new seats, carpets, curtains, upholstery and other cabin improvements.

The airline has completed the refurbishment of 27 legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft. Work is also progressing on its legacy Boeing 787-8 fleet, with five of the 26 aircraft refurbished and returned to service, while completion of the programme is targeted by the end of 2027.

The upgraded Boeing 787-8 aircraft feature a three-class configuration with 20 Business Class private suites, 25 Premium Economy seats and 205 Economy Class seats, together with new inflight entertainment systems.

Improved onboard connectivity and entertainment

Passengers travelling on select upgraded aircraft can access enhanced inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Air India offers onboard Wi-Fi on domestic and international flights operated by its Airbus A350 fleet, select Boeing 787-9 aircraft and select Airbus A321neo aircraft. The airline has also introduced Wi-Fi on its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operating on the Delhi–Melbourne route, allowing passengers to remain connected during their journey.

Its new inflight entertainment system offers more than 3,000 hours of content, including movies, television programmes and audio entertainment spanning Indian, Hollywood and international selections. Select upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft feature an enhanced entertainment library catering to a diverse range of passenger preferences.

The airline has also upgraded cabin amenities. First and Business Class passengers receive amenity kits designed by Ferragamo, while First Class kits additionally include Eau de Parfum. Premium Economy passengers receive TUMI-designed amenity kits featuring skincare products from Verso.

First and Business Class travellers are also provided with sleepwear made from recycled materials blended with cotton, along with velour slippers.

More choices across cabin classes and fares

Air India offers four cabin classes across its fleet: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. First Class and Premium Economy are available on select aircraft, with Premium Economy being progressively introduced as the fleet is modernised.

The airline’s fare structure includes eight fare families, allowing passengers to select options according to their travel requirements and budgets. Economy offers Value, Classic and Flex fares, while Premium Economy and Business Class offer Classic and Flex options. First Class is offered under a single fare family.

The fare families provide different levels of baggage allowance and flexibility for cancellations and date changes.

Air India has also introduced a Basic Economy fare, currently being trialled on selected domestic routes. The option includes 15 kg of checked baggage, 7 kg of cabin baggage and complimentary tea or coffee, but excludes complimentary meals. Passengers can purchase meals in advance, up to 24 hours before departure.

Across its full-service fare families, the airline offers complimentary hot meals and free checked baggage, in addition to the standard cabin baggage allowance.

Expanding global connectivity

Air India’s international network continues to be supported by partnerships with other airlines. As of September 1, 2026, its network spans 30 countries across five continents, connecting India with destinations in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Australia, Africa and the Gulf.

The airline operates more than 4,100 flights per week to and from 36 destinations within India and 41 international destinations.

A member of Star Alliance, Air India has active codeshare agreements with 26 airlines and more than 120 interline partnerships. These arrangements provide passengers with access to more than 1,000 destinations worldwide.

The airline’s wider group also includes Air India Express, its wholly owned low-cost subsidiary serving destinations within India and nearby countries.

Maharaja Club strengthens loyalty benefits

Air India’s loyalty programme, previously known as Flying Returns, was relaunched in a redesigned format in April 2024 and rebranded as Maharaja Club in November 2024.

The spend-based programme enables members to earn and redeem Maharaja Points on Air India flights and participating Star Alliance partner airlines. Eligible members can also access more than 1,100 airport lounges worldwide, depending on their membership tier.

Members can earn and redeem points on eligible Air India Express flights serving more than 55 destinations across South, Southeast and West Asia. The programme also offers a Cash+Points option, allowing travellers to combine points and cash when purchasing award tickets.

Maharaja Club has more than 10 million members worldwide and recorded over 4.2 million member transactions across more than 100 partners in the 2025–26 financial year. At the Freddie Awards 2026, it was named Programme of the Year in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region and was runner-up in four other categories.

As Air India continues its fleet renewal and customer experience improvements, its expanded weekly services between Delhi and Australia provide an important link for travellers between India and two of Australia’s major cities.