Air India has embarked on an ambitious $400 million refurbishment program to transform its fleet of 67 older aircraft, aiming to position itself as a world-class airline. This significant investment signals a new era for the airline. The overhaul will begin with 27 narrow-body Airbus A320neo planes. It will be followed by 40 wide-body Boeing aircraft, with completion expected by mid-2025.
Air India Takes Flight Into The Future With $400 Million Upgrade
The first aircraft to undergo the upgrade, an A320neo (VT-EXN), has already entered the hangar, marking the start of the program. This aircraft will return to commercial service by December 2024, after undergoing extensive renovations.
Air India aims to retrofit three to four aircraft per month. The entire narrow-body fleet’s refurbishment is slated to conclude by mid-2025. The upgrades to the wide-body Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft will also follow in early 2025.
According to the Business Standard reports, the refurbishment introduces a modern three-cabin layout across Air India’s A320neo aircraft—Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Business Class will now offer eight luxurious 40-inch seats with reclining features, adjustable armrests, and charging ports. Premium Economy will feature 24 seats with 32-inch legroom.
Economy Class will also see enhancements, with 132 ergonomically designed seats offering more legroom. Beyond seating, the upgrades include new carpets and upholstery in Air India’s refreshed design, modern lighting, and USB Type A and C ports for charging devices—appealing to today’s tech-savvy travellers.
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Enhancing In-Flight Entertainment And Amenities
The wide-body Boeing aircraft, which are central to Air India’s long-haul operations, will receive equally comprehensive upgrades, according to Business Standard. These planes will be equipped with top-quality seats and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems, offering passengers an immersive flying experience.
This $400 million investment is not only about upgrading aircraft interiors. It is also a strategic move to regain ground in the global aviation industry. By offering superior inflight amenities, enhanced comfort, and a modernised cabin experience, Air India also aims to attract premium travellers and enhance its appeal to international passengers.
The upgrade aligns with the airline’s broader goals. By 2025, Air India’s upgraded fleet will fly passengers in significantly enhanced comfort.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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