Air India has announced the launch of its extensive $400 million refit programme, aimed at upgrading 67 legacy aircraft in its fleet to align with the new Air India experience.
This phased revamp will refresh the interiors of 27 narrowbody Airbus A320neo aircraft first, followed by 40 widebody Boeing aircraft, featuring a modern three-cabin configuration with new seats, carpets, curtains, and upholstery.
The refit programme has commenced with the A320neo aircraft VT-EXN, which entered the hangar on Monday. After prototyping and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, VT-EXN is expected to rejoin commercial service in December 2024. This aircraft will complement the eight recently-delivered A320neo aircraft already featuring upgraded interiors. Air India plans to retrofit three to four aircraft per month, with the entire narrowbody fleet expected to be upgraded by mid-2025.
Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director of Air India, highlighted the importance of the refit programme in enhancing the customer experience, stating, “The commencement of interior refit of the narrowbody fleet is an important step in our journey of enhancing the flying experience of our customers. Over time, all the legacy widebody aircraft will also be refitted. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of Air India transforming into a world-class airline.”
The upgraded A320neo aircraft will feature a three-cabin layout with 8 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 Economy seats. The interiors will include modern touches such as subtle cabin lighting, spacious legroom, wider pitch, and new portable electronic device (PED) holders with USB Type A and C charging ports, enhancing the inflight experience for today’s discerning passengers. The cabins will also showcase new design motifs and refreshed elements like carpets, curtains, and upholstery that align with Air India’s brand livery.
Business Class will feature 40-inch ergonomic seats with a 7-inch recline, adjustable armrests, footrests, and backrests, as well as tray tables with PED holders and multiple charging ports. Premium Economy will offer larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way adjustable headrests, a 32-inch pitch, and a 4-inch recline. Economy Class will include ergonomically designed seats with comfortable upholstery, a 28-29-inch pitch, 4-inch recline, and amenities like PED holders and USB ports.
Air India’s Engineering team will oversee the refit project in collaboration with leading global OEMs such as Collins, Astronics, and Thales. The initiative will involve installing over 15,000 next-generation seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes.
Simultaneously, Air India is preparing for the full interior upgrade of 40 legacy widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. The airline has selected market-leading seats and inflight entertainment systems, completed interior designs, and is working closely with seat manufacturers to finalise regulatory certification and expedite production. The widebody aircraft refit is expected to begin in early 2025, contingent on supply chain logistics.
This extensive refit programme is a pivotal part of Air India’s transformation into a world-class airline, providing passengers with a refreshed and luxurious inflight experience that meets modern travel expectations.