Air India is embarking on a significant $400 million fleet modernisation programme, aiming to complete the retrofit of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft by early 2028 and its Boeing 777 fleet by 2029, enhancing passenger experience with upgraded cabins and inflight entertainment.
Key Points
- Air India aims to complete the retrofit of its 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft by the first quarter of 2028.
- The airline has commenced a $400 million programme to modernise its older widebody cabins.
- The retrofitting involves a comprehensive overhaul, including new seats, upgraded inflight entertainment, and cabin redesign, converting B787-8s to a three-class layout.
- The retrofit programme for Air India's 19 Boeing 777 planes (B777-200 and B777-300ER) is scheduled to begin in the second half of next year and conclude by 2029.
- Global supply chain issues have caused delays in Air India's retrofit schedule.
Air India plans to complete the retrofit of its entire Boeing 787-8 fleet by the first quarter of 2028, its chief customer experience officer, Rajesh Dogra, said on Sunday, outlining a timeline to overhaul the airline’s ageing widebody cabins.
There are 26 legacy B787-8 planes in Air India’s fleet, he told Business Standard at an event at Delhi airport where the airline showcased its first retrofitted B787-8 aircraft.
Modernising the Widebody Fleet
The airplane has been upgraded from a two-class layout to a three-class configuration, with new business, premium economy, and economy cabins.
The airline has embarked on a $400 million programme to modernise its legacy fleet.
Dogra said "around seven to eight B787-8 aircraft are expected to be retrofitted by the end of this year, and the entire B787-8 fleet should be completed by the first quarter of 2028."
Retrofit Details and Challenges
Retrofitting refers to a comprehensive overhaul of an aircraft’s interiors, including new seats, upgraded inflight entertainment systems, and cabin redesign, aimed at bringing older aircraft in line with newer product standards.
Due to global supply chain issues, Air India's retrofit programme has been facing delays.
Future Plans for Boeing 777 Fleet
Dogra also outlined plans for the airline’s Boeing 777 fleet, saying "in the second half of next year, we plan to start the retrofit programme for the B777 planes, including both B777-200 and B777-300ER variants."
He said the airline has 19 such aircraft and "their retrofitment is expected to be completed in 2029."
