Air India Begins Widebody Fleet Retrofit to Elevate Flight Experience
Air India has launched the first phase of its widebody fleet retrofit program, starting with the upgrade of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The first plane, registration VT-ANT, flew in July 2025 to Boeing’s facilities in Victorville, California, for a comprehensive refurbishment. A second aircraft will follow the same path in October, with both expected to return to service by December of this year.
In total, 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft will receive new cabins featuring a three-class configuration—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—along with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems, new seats, carpets, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys, and more. All upgrades align with Air India’s latest product and service standards.
The schedule projects completion of this process by mid-2027. Concurrently, starting early that year, the modernization of 13 Boeing 777-300ERs will begin, with an estimated completion date of October 2028, following a timeline adjustment due to supply chain delays.
Enhancements in Reliability and Maintenance
Alongside the interior refurbishment, the airline is implementing a Reliability Improvement Program for its 26 Boeing 787-8s. This plan includes upgrading avionics and key components to the industry’s most advanced standards.
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The process involves analyzing maintenance and configuration records, followed by modifications recommended in Boeing’s service bulletins. The goal is to minimize operational disruptions and ensure more reliable service for passengers.
Additionally, seven of these aircraft will undergo scheduled heavy maintenance checks (D-checks) in Victorville, ensuring their long-term optimal performance.
Progress in the Narrow-Body Fleet
The modernization plan is not limited to widebody aircraft. The refurbishment of 27 inherited Airbus A320neos began in September 2024 and remains on track, with completion expected by September 2025.
The addition of a third workstream at GMR’s MRO facilities in Hyderabad has accelerated the process. So far, 16 aircraft have completed the upgrade: the 15th returned to service on August 9, 2025, and the 16th will follow on August 11.
These A320neos, featuring entirely new interiors, are being progressively deployed on key domestic and short-haul international routes, significantly enhancing the passenger experience.
With this investment, Air India reinforces its commitment to a world-class product and advances its strategy to position itself as a global leader in comfort, reliability, and service.
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