The induction of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner into Air India will bring back the national carrier's good old 'Maharaja' days, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh believes.

Beleaguered national carrier Air India received devilry of first of its twenty-seven ordered Dreamliner just a few days back from the American plane-maker Boeing Co. Air India officials as well as the civil aviation ministry are optimistic that the new aircraft will attract more and more passengers to the carrier.

Speaking on the topic, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, "Dreamliner is an exciting plane. We hope that it will take Air India back to its good old `Maharaja' days."

The Dreamliner reportedly consumes 15 per cent to 20 per cent less fuel than its equivalent rival planes, thus substantially reduces fuel costs that account for 40 per cent of a carrier's total operational costs.

The fuel-efficient aircraft will start flying on Air India's domestic routes from 19th of September. The first Dreammliner flight will be on Delhi to Chennai route. Afterward, the Dreammliner will fly on six more routes. It will also start flying on international routes in winter.

The government has already committed to provide the cash-strapped carrier with Rs 30,000 crore. The government has also declared that the carrier would not be given any more funds. Thus the carrier would now have to pursue forceful cost-cutting measures to become competitive.