GURUGRAM- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has initiated a $400 million refit program to overhaul 67 legacy aircraft in its fleet.
The company aims to modernize its fleet with a new three-cabin configuration, upgraded seats, and refreshed interior elements.
Air India Begins Refit Program
The program begins with 27 Airbus A320neo narrowbody aircraft, followed by 40 Boeing widebody planes. VT-EXN, the first A320neo to undergo the refit, entered the hangar on Monday.
Air India expects this aircraft to resume commercial service in December 2024, joining eight recently delivered A320neos already featuring upgraded interiors.
Air India plans to upgrade three to four aircraft monthly, with the entire narrowbody fleet renovation slated for completion by mid-2025. The company will also refit its legacy widebody aircraft over time.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The narrowbody fleet interior refit marks a crucial step in enhancing our customers’ flying experience. This comprehensive upgrade forms a key component of Air India’s transformation into a world-class airline.”
Cabin Upgrade for A320neo Fleet
Air India’s refitted A320neo aircraft will feature a three-class configuration, offering passengers more seating options. The new layout includes 8 Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom, and 132 Economy seats.
The upgraded cabins will incorporate modern amenities to enhance passenger comfort. These include subtle lighting, increased legroom, wider seat pitch, and portable electronic device (PED) holders. USB ports with type A and C options will be available for charging various devices. New carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels will reinforce Air India’s brand identity.
Business class seats will offer 40-inch ergonomic designs with a 7-inch recline. Additional features include adjustable armrests, footrests, and backrests. A push-button tray table deployment system integrates a PED holder and multiple charging ports.
Premium Economy will provide larger seats with superior upholstery and four-way adjustable headrests. These seats will have a 32-inch pitch and 4-inch recline, along with PED holders and USB ports.
Economy class will feature ergonomically designed seats with 28-29-inch pitch and a 4-inch recline. These seats will also include PED holders and USB ports for passenger convenience.
Air India’s Engineering team will coordinate the refit project, collaborating with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Collins, Astronics, and Thales. The program will involve installing over 15,000 next-generation seats across all cabin classes.
Widebody Refit in 2025
Concurrent with the narrowbody retrofit, Air India is finalizing plans to upgrade 40 legacy widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft.
The airline has selected market-leading seats and inflight entertainment systems for these planes.
Interior designs are complete, and Air India is working with seat manufacturers to obtain regulatory certification and accelerate production.
The first widebody aircraft retrofit is scheduled to begin in early 2025, subject to supply chain conditions.
Air India Group ranks as the second-largest airline in India by passenger volume, trailing behind IndiGo (6E). As of September 17, 2024, Air India’s operational fleet consists of 142 aircraft. The average age of the fleet is recorded at 9.2 years.
Since Air India returned to the Tata Group on January 27, 2022, the new owners have prioritized enhancing the airline’s product offerings and devising plans for significant expansion.
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