{"id":97821,"date":"2025-06-02T13:24:36","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T07:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=97821"},"modified":"2025-06-02T13:24:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T07:54:41","slug":"air-india-to-retrofit-13-a321-aircraft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/02\/air-india-to-retrofit-13-a321-aircraft\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India to Retrofit 13 Old Airbus A321 Aircraft and More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEW DELHI–<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Air India (AI)<\/a>\u00a0has announced significant changes to its fleet modernisation strategy, deciding to retrofit 13 legacy Airbus A321<\/a><\/span> aircraft that the carrier had previously planned to retire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision marks a strategic shift for India’s national carrier as it navigates ongoing global supply chain challenges affecting the aviation industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Air India Retrofit A321<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The airline originally intended to phase out these 13 A321 ceo aircraft as part of its fleet renewal program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, persistent supply chain disruptions have forced Air India (AI) to extend the operational life of these older aircraft through comprehensive retrofitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The carrier will upgrade these narrow-body planes in the early part of next year, ensuring they meet current service standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By Simon Boddy, CC BY-SA 2.0 | Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boeing 787-8 Retrofit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Air India (AI) will begin retrofitting its first legacy Boeing 787-8 <\/a>aircraft in July 2024, though the program has experienced delays due to certification issues with new seating configurations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline operates 27 legacy B787-8 aircraft that require modernisation under the comprehensive fleet upgrade initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campbell Wilson,<\/a> Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, confirmed that certification delays for seats have pushed back the initial timeline for the wide-body retrofit program. The first batch of Boeing 787s will undergo extensive interior upgrades starting in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wide-Body Upgrades Timeline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The carrier has established an aggressive schedule for completing its wide-body fleet modernisation. Air India (AI) expects to upgrade approximately 68 per cent of its wide-body aircraft by the end of the current financial year.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline aims to complete the entire wide-body fleet upgrade program by calendar year 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wilson emphasised that the company remains committed to achieving these milestones despite industry-wide challenges affecting aircraft modification timelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Cado Handerson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Boeing 777 Refresh<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Air India (AI) has already commenced its heavy refresh program for legacy Boeing 777<\/a> aircraft, with two jets successfully returning to service following comprehensive upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The heavy refresh program includes installation of new carpets, seat covers, and cushions, along with repairs to damaged seating components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline expects to complete the Boeing 777 refresh program by the end of 2024, demonstrating tangible progress in its fleet modernisation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Narrow-Body Upgrades<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The carrier has made substantial progress with its narrow-body fleet upgrades, completing modifications on approximately 65-68 per cent of these aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India (AI) plans to finish upgrading all narrow-body aircraft by the end of 2024, including the 13 A321 ceo aircraft that will receive extended service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wilson confirmed that the narrow-body fleet upgradation will effectively reach completion this year, representing a significant milestone in the airline’s transformation program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Current Fleet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Air India currently operates 191 aircraft across its network, comprising 64 wide-body and 127 narrow-body aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wide-body fleet includes six A350s<\/a>, 19 777-300 ERs<\/a>, five 777-200 LRs<\/a>, seven 787-9s<\/a>, and 27 787-8s<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The narrow-body fleet consists of six A319s<\/a>, 94 A320neos<\/a>, four A320ceos, 13 A321ceos, and ten A321neos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supply Chain Challenges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Wilson acknowledged that global supply chain constraints continue affecting the aviation industry, though conditions show gradual improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air India executive projects that supply chain normalcy will not return until 2029 or 2030. This will require airlines to adapt their fleet strategies accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engine supply challenges particularly impact narrow-body aircraft operations, while Boeing’s 737 program continues recovering to previous production levels. Wilson noted that different aircraft types face distinct bottlenecks, requiring tailored solutions for each platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Air India to Order 200 New Airbus and Boeing Narrow-Body Planes<\/a><\/blockquote>