Air India Begins Major Fleet Overhaul
Air India has launched the next major phase of its ambitious $400 million fleet modernization program. The airline has sent the first of its older Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners to the United States for a complete cabin overhaul. This is a key step in the Tata Group's plan to transform the airline and deliver a world-class passenger experience.
Dreamliner Makeover Takes Flight
The first aircraft is currently at a Boeing facility in California, where it will be fitted with a brand-new, three-class cabin layout featuring Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. The upgrade includes new seats, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and refreshed interiors. Air India plans to refurbish all 26 of its legacy Dreamliners by the middle of 2027. Alongside the cabin revamp, the planes are also undergoing a reliability enhancement program to upgrade critical systems.
Entire Fleet Getting a Refresh
The modernization effort extends beyond the Dreamliner. The airline's narrowbody fleet of 27 Airbus A320neo aircraft, used for domestic and short-haul routes, is also being upgraded. This part of the project is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by September 2025.
Additionally, 13 of the larger Boeing 777-300ER aircraft are scheduled for a similar retrofit, which is set to begin in early 2027. While this phase has been delayed by global supply chain issues, it is a confirmed part of the overall plan.
This comprehensive retrofit program is a crucial part of Air India's transformation. It aims to shed the airline's image of having an ageing fleet, improve operational reliability, and allow it to compete more effectively on both domestic and international routes.
