In a statement August 10, Air India announced the start of a massive $400 million fleet refit effort. To improve comfort and guarantee technical excellence throughout its operations, the national carrier will modify both its widebody and narrowbody aircraft.
The first of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft, registered as VT-ANT, will arrive at Boeing’s facility in California in July, marking the formal start of the refit program for Air India’s widebody fleet. With updated interiors and state-of-the-art technology, both aircraft are anticipated to return to service by December of this year, with a second scheduled to follow in October.
“The retrofit programme for Air India’s B787-8s, now on a steady schedule for completion by mid-2027, will introduce brand-new interiors featuring a three-class configuration with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats,” the statement stated.
“This includes the installation of brand-new seats in each cabin, advanced in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, new carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys and more – all aligned with the new Air India product and customer experience standards,” it stated.
Beginning in early 2027, upgrades will be made to 13 legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft as part of the retrofit program. However, the completion date for these aircraft has been pushed back to October 2028 due to supply chain difficulties.
A specific Reliability Enhancement Program for its 26 vintage B787-8 aircraft has also been announced by Air India. “This is intended to reduce operational disruptions for both, Air India and its customers,” it stated. “The programme entails the analysis of maintenance and configuration records for these aircraft, followed by the implementation of recommended modifications based on Boeing’s service information bulletins.”
Furthermore, at the California plant, seven of the 26 B787-8s will have extensive, planned maintenance (D-checks). Air India is renovating its 27 legacy A320neo aircraft in parallel with its widebody efforts. The work started in September 2024 and is expected to be finished by September 2025. The procedure has been expedited by the installation of a third maintenance line at GMR’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Hyderabad.
“Air India is on track to complete its narrowbody conversion programme for its 27 vintage A320neo aircraft by September 2025, having started the project last September. The procedure has been accelerated by the installation of a third line at GMR’s MRO in Hyderabad. Fifteen A320neo aircraft have been converted so far; the fifteenth aircraft went back into service on August 9, 2025, and the sixteenth is expected to do so on August 11, 2025. By September 2025, the airline plans to retrofit the remaining 11 A320neos.
Follow BOTT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Subscribe BOTT Channels on WhatsApp & Telegram to receive real time updates
