This week brought me to one of my favorite cities, London, on a whirlwind overnight trip. The reason? Air India launched inaugural service from Newark (EWR) to Ahmedabad (AMD) via London (LHR). The route marks Air India’s first time flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the United States.

It was a fitting flight for me to take, as nine years ago this month I flew my first Air India flight, on the airline’s first non-stop service between Mumbai (BOM) and New York (JFK). That flight was my first in international business class, and this one was my first Dreamliner experience. I arrived at the airport to fanfare at the check-in counter, with balloons, displays, the Air India mascot posing at a step and repeat, and airline executives chatting with passengers. Before boarding, each guest was given a small gift, and the excitement in the air for the new route was palpable. I’d enjoyed a meal in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge, open to Air India premium guests, so once I settled on board in my roomy Executive Class seat, I took the opportunity to stretch out and sleep for most of the overnight flight.

The already luxurious business-class cabin felt even more spacious in the 787, with reconfigured overhead bins and larger windows. More about my flight experiences will come in a future Global Traveler, but one thing that stands out on Air India is warm hospitality and exceptional service.

Arriving in London Tuesday morning, I checked into my hotel, showered and set out to take advantage of the afternoon — and the 70-degree weather, a welcome break from the East Coast heat wave.Having lived in London in college, the city feels familiar; and this visit I explored more of the Kensington neighborhood, lunching at a favorite haunt from my study abroad days, touring Kensington Palace and its exhibit on royal fashion and shopping at Harrods and along Kensington High Street. I came back loaded with some of my old favorites. I wished for more time, but I returned Wednesday.

Air India’s Dreamliner flights between Newark, London and Ahmedabad operate weekly Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I look forward to a return visit and another Air India flight experience.

— Kimberly Krol, editor in chief