Air India is set to embark on a $400 million refurbishment programme! The refurbishment programme aims to modernise 67 of its old aircraft. The Tata-owned airline is aiming to elevate its status to that of a luxury airline. The massive refurbishment will start with 27 narrow-body Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by a complete upgrade of 40 wide-body Boeing aircraft.
The fleet’s phased modernization will result in a modernized three-cabin configuration. This includes improvements to the seats, carpeting, curtains and upholstery. The first aircraft to undergo this complete renovation is the Airbus A320neo, VT-EXN, which entered the hangar this week.
Once the prototyping phase is completed and the necessary regulatory approvals are received, the VT-EXN is expected to return to commercial service by December 2024. It will join the eight newly delivered A320neo aircraft, already equipped with updated interiors and cabin configurations.
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After VT-EXN, Air India plans to upgrade three to four aircraft per month, with an aim to complete the modernization of its narrowbody fleet by mid-2025. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director, Air India, highlighted the significance of the upgrade, saying, “The commencement of the interior upgrade of the narrowbody fleet is a significant milestone in our journey to enhance the flying experience for our customers. Over time, all existing widebody aircraft will also be upgraded. This comprehensive upgrade of Air India’s physical product is an important part of Air India’s transformation into a world-class airline.”
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Since Tata’s acquisition of the airline in 2022, substantial investments have been made to acquire hundreds of new jets, rebrand the carrier and implement operational improvements. The upgraded A320neo aircraft will feature eight luxury Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and 132 comfortable Economy Class seats. The upgrades include spacious legroom, modern lighting, USB ports (Type A and C) for device charging and upgraded cabin interiors with new carpets, curtains and upholstery.
Business Class will feature 40-inch seats with adjustable armrests and charging ports, while Premium Economy will have larger seats with adjustable headrests and 32 inches of legroom. Economy Class will feature ergonomic seats with 28 to 29 inches of pitch and additional legroom. More than 15,000 next-generation seats will be installed in all classes as part of the upgrade.
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Air India is also preparing to refurbish 40 older Boeing 787 and 777 wide-body aircraft. The new designs and premium seats are being finalised, and the airline is working with seat manufacturers to obtain approvals and ramp up production. The first wide-body aircraft is expected to begin its modernisation in early 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for Air India's fleet.
