{"id":92586,"date":"2025-04-30T19:25:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=92586"},"modified":"2025-05-01T12:11:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T06:41:00","slug":"air-india-crosses-half-mark-for-cabin-retrofit-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/30\/air-india-crosses-half-mark-for-cabin-retrofit-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Now Have 50% Premium Cabins Across its Fleet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>DELHI-<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/air-india\/\">Air India (AI)<\/a> announced today that more than 50% of its fleet now features upgraded cabin interiors<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The initiative aims to transform passenger experience across both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft in the carrier&#8217;s expanding fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-50x28.webp 50w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-450x253.webp 450w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-retrofit.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-air-india-retrofit-program-update\">Air India Retrofit Program Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The extensive upgrades include the installation of new seats configured in a three-class cabin layout throughout the fleet. The refreshed aircraft now features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/business-class\/\">Business Class<\/a> cabins with enhanced seating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/premium-economy\/\">Premium Economy<\/a> cabins (unique to Air India (AI) in the domestic market)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Redesigned <strong>Economy Class<\/strong> sections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond seating, the modernisation encompasses new carpets, curtains, refurbished lavatories, and fresh paint showcasing Air India&#8217;s revamped branding under <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/tata-group\/\">Tata Group<\/a> ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;As we await deliveries of new aircraft, our entire fleet of legacy single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft is undergoing a comprehensive retrofit.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Air India stated in its official announcement<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-50x28.webp 50w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-450x253.webp 450w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Air-India-VT-EXN.webp 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Air India<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-transformation-plan\">Transformation Plan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The retrofit program represents a cornerstone of the airline&#8217;s <strong>5-year transformation strategy<\/strong> following its acquisition by the Tata Group. &#8220;The programme is an important step forward&#8230; It will help provide a consistent product and service experience across the fleet,&#8221; Air India emphasised in its statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/air-india-ceo\/\">Air India CEO<\/a> and Managing Director <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/campbell-wilson\/\">Campbell Wilson<\/a> underscored the significance of the initiative during his March appearance at the <strong>Skift India Forum<\/strong>, calling the aircraft modernization <strong>&#8220;the number one priority&#8221; <\/strong>for the airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"748\" height=\"430\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Air-India-CEO-Campbell-Wilson.png\" alt=\"Air India will Recruit 500 New Cabin Crews and 50 Pilots Each Month, says the CEO\" class=\"wp-image-31160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Air-India-CEO-Campbell-Wilson.png 748w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Air-India-CEO-Campbell-Wilson-600x345.png 600w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Air-India-CEO-Campbell-Wilson-300x172.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 748px) 100vw, 748px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Air India CEO Campbell Wilson | Photo: Courtesy of Creator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-timeline-for-completion\">Timeline for Completion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The carrier has established specific completion targets for different segments of its fleet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All 27 <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/a320neo\/\">A320neo<\/a> aircraft will complete retrofitting by the third quarter of 2024, with the first upgraded A320neo already returned to service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All legacy wide-body aircraft, including <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/boeing-777s\/\">Boeing 777s<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/b787\/\">787s<\/a>, will receive full upgrades by early to mid-2027<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Wilson acknowledged the timeline extends longer than initially planned, citing industry-wide supply chain constraints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;By early mid-2027, all of the legacy wide-body aircraft will be upgraded&#8230; still slower than we would have liked.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Campbell Wilson, CEO &amp; MD, Air India (pointing to seat supply shortages and logistical limitations)<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Following its merger with <a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/tag\/air-vistara-2\/\">Vistara (UK)<\/a> last year, Air India (AI) has expanded the modernisation program to include Vistara&#8217;s fleet. The repainting and retrofitting of former Vistara (UK) aircraft will require approximately<strong> 18 additional months to complete<\/strong>, integrating them fully into Air India&#8217;s refreshed brand identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"Air India Boeing 777 at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada\" class=\"wp-image-68587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-50x28.webp 50w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-150x84.webp 150w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-450x253.webp 450w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m-1200x675.webp 1200w, https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/q8ymjp9m.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-industry-supply-constraints\">Industry Supply Constraints<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Wilson addressed broader industry challenges affecting modernisation timelines, noting the global aviation sector faces significant supply constraints expected to persist for several years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Reality is that it is going to remain a supply-constrained market, not just for Air India or India, but worldwide&#8230; for another 4\u20135 years,&#8221; he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Shortages of engines, seats, <\/strong>and<strong> various aircraft components<\/strong> have forced Air India (AI) to implement strategic deployment decisions. &#8220;If you are capacity constrained, you have to be a little bit ruthless in where you deploy your aircraft to maximise returns,&#8221; Wilson stated. &#8220;Getting one or two leased aircraft with a different configuration adds to the complexity rather than advancing you.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite these challenges, Air India (AI) continues pushing forward with its fleet transformation as part of its broader strategy to reclaim its position as a global aviation leader under Tata Group ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Featured Image by <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/avgeekwithlens\" rel=\"nofollow\">Harsh Tekriwal | AvgeekwithLens<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/s\/aviationa2z\" rel=\"nofollow\">Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMPLdrgsw_-jGAw?hl=en-IN&amp;gl=IN&amp;ceid=IN%3Aen\">Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-aviation-a-2-z wp-block-embed-aviation-a-2-z\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"yegnvdmC9m\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/10\/air-india-maintenance-widebody-lease-retrofits\/\">Air India in-house Maintenance, New Widebody Lease, Retrofits, and More<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Air India in-house Maintenance, New Widebody Lease, Retrofits, and More&#8221; &#8212; Aviation A2Z\" src=\"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/10\/air-india-maintenance-widebody-lease-retrofits\/embed\/#?secret=rWBEN3sMTO#?secret=yegnvdmC9m\" data-secret=\"yegnvdmC9m\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Air India announced that more than 50% of its fleet now features upgraded cabin interiors. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":91123,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8470,19515,7217,6761],"tags":[82,26389,7882,26388,392,26391,26390,81],"class_list":{"0":"post-92586","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-air-india","8":"category-fleet","9":"category-indian-aviation-news","10":"category-news","11":"tag-air-india","12":"tag-air-india-cabin-retrofit-program","13":"tag-air-india-ceo-campbell-wilson","14":"tag-air-india-fleet-modernization","15":"tag-airlines-news","16":"tag-cabin-retrofitting","17":"tag-industry-supply-constraints","18":"tag-latest-aviation-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92586"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":92706,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92586\/revisions\/92706"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}