The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, has long been a workhorse of Air India’s international fleet. Known for its fuel efficiency, advanc
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, has long been a workhorse of Air India’s international fleet. Known for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and passenger comfort, this aircraft represented a modern leap in long-haul travel. Here’s an in-depth look at what made VT-ANB a standout in Indian aviation.
Aircraft Overview
Aircraft Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration Number: VT-ANB
Manufacturer: Boeing (USA)
Operated By: Air India
Aircraft Type: Wide-body, twin-engine, long-haul jet
Production Site: Everett, Washington, USA
Service Timeline
First Flight: December 14, 2013
Delivered to Air India: January 28, 2014
Entered Service: February 8, 2014
Age at Last Operation: Approximately 11 years and 5 months
VT-ANB was one of the first few Dreamliners delivered to Air India under a major fleet modernization plan. It played a key role in strengthening Air India’s global connectivity.
Performance & Design
Passenger Seating Capacity:
Total: 256 passengers
Business Class: 18 seats
Economy Class: 238 seats
Fuel Capacity: Approximately 101,000 kilograms (~222,000 lbs)
Maximum Range: ~13,530 km (7,355 nautical miles)
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): ~227,930 kg (502,500 lbs)
Cruising Speed: Mach 0.85 (around 903 km/h)
Wingspan: 60.1 meters
Length: 56.7 meters
Height: 17 meters
The Dreamliner was built with a lightweight composite structure, enabling greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to older wide-body aircraft.
Engine & Technology
Engine Type: 2 × General Electric GEnx-1B67
Thrust per Engine: Up to 67,000 lbs
Advanced Systems:
Fly-by-wire controls
Electronic dimmable windows
Enhanced cabin pressurization for passenger comfort
Turbulence-sensing radar
Lower cabin noise levels
Crew Facilities
Flight Crew Rest Area: Equipped with bunks above the main deck for long-haul operations
Cabin Crew Rest Area: Discreet rest space in the rear fuselage
Cockpit: Fully digital glass cockpit with Heads-Up Display (HUD) and modern avionics
Routes Typically Served
VT-ANB served a variety of international and long-haul routes including:
Delhi ↔ London-Gatwick
Mumbai ↔ Frankfurt
Delhi ↔ Melbourne
Chennai ↔ Tokyo
Delhi ↔ Paris
Ahmedabad ↔ London
These routes often featured 7 to 13-hour nonstop flights, where the Dreamliner’s performance and comfort features were most valuable.
Environmental & Passenger Focus
Noise Reduction: 60% quieter than previous-generation aircraft
Carbon Footprint: 20% lower CO₂ emissions per passenger
Cabin Environment: Higher humidity and lower cabin altitude reduced fatigue on long flights
Entertainment: In-seat touch screens with AVOD (Audio Video On Demand) system
Passengers often praised the Dreamliner for a noticeably smoother, quieter flying experience with larger windows and mood lighting that adjusted based on time zones.
Closing Note
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANB was a flagship aircraft in Air India’s long-haul service. It combined the latest in aviation engineering with passenger-centric design, becoming a backbone for India’s international air connectivity. Its blend of reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort made it a symbol of modern aviation in the country.
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