Flying Air India Vistara 787-9 Business Class
This year, I flew with Air India for the very first time—and despite some initial apprehensions, I genuinely enjoyed the experience. The transformation at Air India is real, folks! I’ve flown with many Indian carriers in the past, including Vistara, IndiGo, and even the now-defunct Jet Airways.
Despite Vistara being officially merged with Air India, it’s interesting to see remnants of Vistara still present—not just in aircraft and fittings but even the crew and their uniforms still remain distinct —while all marketing and ticket sales now operate under the Air India brand.
During the winter blues, I planned a week-long getaway to Dubai and decided to take a quick side trip to India—thanks to my valid multiple-entry visa. It turned out to be a memorable flight and one that you might still experience throughout 2025 as the Vistara brand gradually fades away.
Flight Details
- Route: Dubai – New Delhi
- Flight No: AI916 / AI2206
- Date: January 2025
- Departure Time: 20:15
- Flight Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 (Tail: VT-TSO)
- Seat: 5K
* It appears Air India has changed the flight numbers for these flight rotations now.
Check-In at Dubai Terminal 1
Check-in at Dubai Terminal 1 felt a bit chaotic—an odd sense of nostalgia since I hadn’t been there in years.
The signage was all Air India, but the ground staff seemed stretched thin. I’d already checked in via Air India’s sleek new mobile app, so I just needed to drop off my small carry-on due to some oversized liquids.
Despite a dedicated Business Class lane, I still waited about 15 minutes as those ahead of me had mountains of luggage. Once it was my turn, the staff were friendly and efficient, and I quickly received my boarding pass.
Dubai T1 Lounge: Ahlan Lounge
With my boarding pass, I also got an invitation to the Ahlan Lounge, one of several contract lounges at Terminal 1.
It was surprisingly good—comparable to some of the best Plaza Premium lounges worldwide. The food was decent, and it provided a relaxing space to unwind before the flight.
Boarding at Dubai
When I reached the gate, it was crowded with no sign of boarding—pretty much the norm with every airline! It gave me a chance to admire our 787-9 in the gorgeous Vistara livery.
Soon enough, Business Class boarding began through Door 1, where I was greeted by the unmistakable Vistara crew in their signature uniforms.
Business Class Cabin: Vistara’s Signature Touch
These ex-Vistara 787-9s, now operated by Air India, feature 30 Stelia Symphony lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout (except for the last row, which lacks middle seats).
Right behind Business Class are 21 Premium Economy seats, followed by 248 Economy seats.
The Seat
I chose Seat 5K, not realizing that odd-numbered rows are closer to the aisle than the window. For a short-haul flight, it wasn’t a big deal, but something to remember next time!
I’ve reviewed this seat in more detail when Singapore Airlines launched it back in 2019 on their first 787-10 variant and subsequently flew them on their regional A350’s as well as Turkish Airlines which flies them on substantially longer routes.
The product difference between Vistara’s and Singapore/Turkish versions simply boils down to the colour and finish. Being frank, I think SQ and Turkish versions do look better overall with more cohesion. Whilst I like Vistara’s signature Purple, I’m just not sure the Greys chosen in this cabin compliment it well. I’d say it’s a little colour clash happening there !
The seat itself is comfortable, albeit a bit narrow compared to newer Business Class products. I did appreciate the soft stitched fabric on the wrap-around shell, although it partially blocks the window on some rows.
During boarding, the crew offered welcome drinks, and I went with a refreshing Mango juice.
Air India Vistara 787-9 Business Class Dinner Service
A full dinner menu was waiting at my seat, along with a bar/cellar menu. I couldn’t help but notice some items were strikingly similar to those I’d seen on my previous Air India Business Class flight to London.
For starters, I picked the Zucchini Cream Cheese Roll—beautifully plated but too tempting to remember to photograph!
My main course choice was the Anjeer Pasanda—cottage cheese mixed with figs and spices in a creamy tomato sauce, served with rice pulao, yellow lentils, sautéed vegetables, gram flour pearls, yogurt raita, and pickles…
The dish was absolutely delicious—rich, flavourful, and satisfying despite my full belly from the lounge.
Dessert was a Chocolate Marquise—sweet yet light, hitting just the right balance. Dinner service began about 30 minutes after takeoff and lasted until an hour before landing, with two rounds of drinks offered during the meal.
Entertainment & WiFi
The 18-inch high-definition screen retained Vistara’s IFE system and content. There was a decent mix of Western and Indian films and documentaries, though I didn’t explore too much given the short duration.
WiFi was available but I did not have the time to check if this was still being charged for moved to be in line with long-haul Air India flights where Business Class passengers currently enjoy unlimited WiFi.
Sleep Comfort
This flight was too short for sleep, but the seats do convert to a lie-flat bed. Be mindful, though—the seat width is on the snug side, especially for those with broad shoulders.
On longer flights, bedding amenities are provided, and I’d be curious to see if they still use the Vistara sets.
Final Thoughts
I’m glad I got to experience Vistara’s Business Class one last time under the Air India banner. The blend of Vistara’s premium touch and Air India’s evolving service made for a pleasant journey. The crew maintained a friendly and professional atmosphere, despite the occasional challenges posed by demanding passengers.
If you spot an Air India 787-9 on routes like Paris or Frankfurt, chances are you’ll be on this ex-Vistara product with the same lovely crew for a while longer. Some of these planes are just a year old, so they’ll likely stick around with future Air India branding.
Faze, founder of Wander Up Front and Elevate Your Stay, is a London-based travel specialist with a deep passion for aviation. With over 2 million miles flown, he has spent the last 7 years focusing on First and Business class experiences.
Faze provides straightforward, no-frills insights into premium airline products and services, sharing what matters to help travellers make informed choices.
Follow him on his adventures and behind the scene stories on Instagram !