First Class Returns with a Bang: Air India Unveils Massive Upgrade on Delhi–Melbourne Route…

In a bold move to reposition itself in the global aviation market, Air India has rolled out a major cabin upgrade on its flagship Delhi–Melbourne route, introducing First Class for the first time along with a significantly enhanced onboard experience.

Starting 1 July, the airline will deploy its refurbished Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on the route, replacing the earlier configuration and marking one of the most notable product upgrades in recent years for India–Australia connectivity.

The revamped aircraft features a three-class layout, offering a clear step up in comfort and exclusivity:

• 8 First Class suites
• 40 fully flat Business Class beds
• 280 Economy Class seats

This marks a substantial jump in premium capacity compared to the earlier aircraft, which had no First Class section and a more limited Business Class offering.

At the heart of the upgrade are the newly introduced First Class private suites, designed with leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, enhanced privacy doors, and personalised onboard service. For many frequent flyers, this signals the return of a truly premium long-haul experience from India’s national carrier.

Business Class has also received a significant overhaul, with fully flat beds, improved seating space, and upgraded service elements aimed at delivering a more comfortable journey on the long-haul sector between India and Australia.

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One of the most anticipated additions is Wi-Fi connectivity onboard, now being introduced on this route for the first time. Passengers will be able to stay connected mid-air, bridging work and communication gaps across continents.

The airline has also refreshed its food and beverage offerings, serving a curated mix of global cuisine alongside Indian favourites, complemented by premium wines and spirits. The focus, according to airline sources, is on creating a dining experience that feels closer to a fine-dining restaurant than a typical flight meal.

Entertainment options have also been expanded with a richer library of movies, TV shows, and music, catering to a diverse international passenger base.

On the ground, premium travellers will also gain access to the newly upgraded Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport, offering a more refined pre-flight experience with upgraded seating, dining, and service standards.

These enhancements form part of Air India’s wider transformation strategy, as the carrier works to reposition itself as a globally competitive airline with modernised fleets and upgraded passenger experiences across routes.

Australia remains a key growth market for the airline, and the Delhi–Melbourne route plays a crucial role in strengthening connectivity between the two countries. The service currently operates four times a week and is scheduled to increase to daily operations from 1 September 2026, reflecting rising demand across both business and leisure travel segments.

The route also offers seamless onward connections from Delhi to major European destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Zurich—making it a strategic long-haul corridor in Air India’s international network.

With this upgrade, the airline is clearly signalling a shift: India’s long-haul aviation product is no longer just about reaching destinations, but about competing on comfort, privacy, and experience.