27 Airbus A320neos and 40 widebody Boeing planes to be refurbished in a phased manner
US$400m program to refit legacy aircraft with new seats, modern cabins, new livery
GURUGRAM, 17 SEPTEMBER 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced
the commencement of its over US$400m refit programme for a phased revamp of 67 legacy
aircraft in its fleet. This refit will lead to a refresh of the product to the new Air India experience
— with modern three-cabin configuration, new seats, new carpets, curtains and upholstery. The
refit programme will start with the 27 narrowbody Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by the 40
widebody Boeing aircraft.
The first narrowbody aircraft to commence the refit program is VT-EXN, a single-aisle A320neo
that went into the hangar on Monday. After prototyping and necessary regulatory approvals,
VT-EXN is expected to re-enter commercial service in December 2024, joining the eight
recently-delivered and operational Air India A320neo aircraft that already feature the upgraded
cabin interiors and configuration.
Following VT-EXN, between three and four aircraft per month will undergo retrofit, with
upgradation of the full narrowbody fleet expected by the middle of 2025.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “The
commencement of interior refit of the narrowbody fleet is an important step in our journey of
enhancing the flying experience of our customers. Over time, all the legacy widebody aircraft
will also be refitted. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an
important component of Air India transforming into a world-class airline.”
The refitted A320neo aircraft will feature 8 luxurious seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats
in Premium Economy and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests.
Subtle cabin lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable
electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports with type A and C options to charge mobile
phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others, will contribute significantly to offer guests
an inflight experience catering to the needs of today’s discerning flyers. Carpets, curtains,
upholstery, cabin panels will be refreshed with new tones and design motifs reinforcing the
brand livery.
The Business cabins will offer 40-inch ergonomic seats with 7-inch recline, an adjustable
armrest, footrest and backrest, a tray table deployed at the push of a button that includes a
(personal Electronic Device (PED) holder with multiple charging ports. The Premium Economy
cabins provide larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way adjustable headrest, 32-inch
pitch with a 4-inch recline, with a PED holder and USB ports. Economy seats are ergonomically
designed with comfortable upholstery, 28-29-inch seat pitch, 4-inch recline and legroom with
amenities like PED holder and USB ports.
The refit project will be coordinated by Air India’s Engineering team with leading global OEMs
in such as Collins, Astronics and Thales among others. The exercise will see the installation of
over 15,000 next-generation seats across Premium Economy, Business and Economy Class.
In parallel to the narrowbody retrofit program, final preparations continue for the full interior
upgradation of 40 legacy widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. Market-leading seats and
inflight entertainment systems have been selected, interior designs are complete and the airline
is working closely with seat manufacturers to finalise regulatory certification and expedite
production. Subject to supply chains, the retrofit of the first widebody aircraft will commence in
early 2025
