{"id":70009,"date":"2024-09-17T14:18:12","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T08:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=70009"},"modified":"2024-10-29T14:04:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T08:34:54","slug":"air-india-begins-400-million-refit-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/09\/17\/air-india-begins-400-million-refit-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Begins $400 Million Refit Program, 67 Planes to Get New Seats and Livery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GURUGRAM-<\/strong> Tata Group-owned Air India (AI)<\/a> has initiated a $400 million refit program to overhaul 67 legacy aircraft in its fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company aims to modernize its fleet with a new three-cabin configuration, upgraded seats, and refreshed interior elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Eurospot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Begins Refit Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The program begins with 27 Airbus A320neo<\/a> narrowbody aircraft<\/strong>, followed by 40 Boeing <\/a>widebody planes<\/strong>. VT-EXN, the first A320neo to undergo the refit, entered the hangar on Monday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India expects this aircraft to resume commercial service in December 2024, joining eight recently delivered A320neos already featuring upgraded interiors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air Indi<\/strong>a, 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cabin Upgrade for A320neo Fleet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Widebody Refit in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Concurrent with the narrowbody retrofit, Air India is finalizing plans to upgrade 40 legacy widebody Boeing 787 <\/a>and 777 aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline has selected market-leading seats and inflight entertainment systems for these planes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior designs are complete, and Air India is working with seat manufacturers to obtain regulatory certification and accelerate production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first widebody aircraft retrofit is scheduled to begin in early 2025, subject to supply chain conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India Group ranks as the second-largest airline in India by passenger volume, trailing behind IndiGo (6E)<\/a>. As of September 17, 2024, Air India\u2019s operational fleet consists of 142 aircraft. The average age of the fleet is recorded at 9.2 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Air India returned to the Tata Group on January 27, 2022, the new owners have prioritized enhancing the airline\u2019s product offerings and devising plans for significant expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Air India Schedules Premium A320neo on Int’l Flights from Mumbai<\/a><\/blockquote>