Air India has provided an update on the progress of its US$400 million fleet retrofit programme, aimed at enhancing the airline’s customer experience and improving operational reliability across its legacy fleet.
The biggest development is that Air India has begun the widebody retrofit programme for its fleet of 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft, marked by the first Dreamliner (VT-ANT) being flown to a Boeing MRO facility in Victorville, California, USA in July 2025 to undergo work. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart for the same facility in October 2025, with both of these B787-8s expected to return to service in December 2025.
The retrofit programme for Air India’s B787-8s, which the airline says is now on a “steady schedule” for completion by mid-2027, will introduce all-new interiors in a three-class configuration of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. The work includes the installation of brand-new seats in each cabin, as well as more modern inflight entertainment (IFE) systems, new carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys and more. All the new cabin products and finishes have been customised in line with Air India’s latest branding designs.
In other widebody news, from early 2027, Air India will begin retrofitting 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, aiming for completion by October 2028. The timeline is later than the airline had hoped for, which is puts down to delays in the supply chain.
Additionally, seven of the 26 B787-8s will undergo heavy, scheduled maintenance (D-checks) at Victorville.
Narrowbody retrofits
Air India has also given an update of the progress of its narrowbody retrofit programme, comprising the installation of all-new cabins on its 27 legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft. The airline says the work, which commenced in September 2024, is progressing per schedule, with completion targeted in September 2025. The addition of a third line at GMR Aero Technic’s MRO facility in Hyderabad has expedited the process.
To date, 16 of Air India’s A320neo aircraft have been retrofitted, with the 15th aircraft having been returned to service on 9th August 2025, and the 16th aircraft scheduled to return to service on 11th August. The remaining 11 A320neos are expected to be retrofitted by September 2025. The upgraded A320neo aircraft are being progressively deployed on key domestic and short-haul international routes.
