Air India initiates extensive makeover for wide-body planes and escalates narrow-body aircraft refurbishment projects.
Air India Kicks Off $400 Million Fleet Modernization Drive
Air India, the national carrier of India, has embarked on a comprehensive modernization drive, aiming to revitalize its fleet and enhance the travel experience for passengers. The drive, valued at $400 million, focuses primarily on the airline's Boeing 787-8 fleet, with plans to modernize cabin interiors, seating, and in-flight entertainment systems.
The retrofit programme, a significant milestone in Air India's transformation plan, was initiated in July 2025. The first Boeing 787-8 aircraft (VT-ANT) was sent to Boeing’s Victorville, California facility for the retrofit. A second 787-8 is scheduled for retrofit starting in October 2025, with both aircraft expected to return to service by December 2025. The full 787-8 retrofit program will continue steadily through mid-2027.
The retrofit introduces a new three-class cabin configuration including Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, with all-new seats, advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, updated carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys, and more, aligned with Air India’s refreshed branding and customer experience standards.
Besides the widebody aircraft, Air India has also been retrofitting 27 A320neo aircraft since September 2024, with completion expected by September 2025. The A320neos are receiving all-new cabins and progressive deployment on key routes.
Starting early 2027, Air India will also retrofit 13 Boeing 777-300ERs, with completion delayed until October 2028 due to supply chain issues. The modernization drive also includes a Reliability Enhancement Program focused on avionics and operational system upgrades across the 787-8 fleet to improve operational reliability.
In addition to the fleet modernization, the airline is addressing various safety concerns raised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The audit revealed untrained staff managing flight rosters, outdated training manuals, fragmented training records, unqualified simulators, and a lack of pilot training in Air India's operations.
Once completed, the upgraded fleet is expected to significantly improve customer satisfaction, reinforcing Air India's brand as a premium carrier and strengthening its position in both domestic and international markets. The first retrofitted widebody aircraft is expected to re-enter service in the coming months, marking a new era for Air India.
[1] Air India Begins $400 Million Fleet Modernization Drive [2] Air India’s 787-8 Retrofit: What You Need to Know [3] Air India Retrofits Narrowbody Fleet with Improved Seating Layouts [4] Air India’s 787-8 Retrofit: A Look at the New Cabin Interiors [5] Air India’s 787-8 Retrofit: A Focus on Avionics Upgrades
[1] The modernization drive, including the avionics and operational system upgrades, is expected to improve not only the travel experience for passengers but also the overall financial performance of Air India's business, as cutting-edge technology is woven into the fleet.
[2] As part of the broader transformation plan, Air India is not only investing in technology for in-flight entertainment systems but also venturing into the realm of digital finance, aiming to streamline payment processes and enhance customer convenience.
