Air India Embarks on $400 Million Luxury Upgrade of its Fleet

Air India Embarks on $400 Million Luxury Upgrade of its Fleet

Air India is set to undergo a $400 million transformation, aimed at modernizing 67 of its older aircraft as part of its journey to becoming a luxury airline. The Tata Group-owned carrier has announced plans to overhaul its fleet, starting with 27 narrow-body Airbus A320neo planes, followed by 40 wide-body Boeing aircraft.

This ambitious refurbishment will introduce a modern three-cabin configuration across the fleet, including significant upgrades to seating, upholstery, carpets, and curtains. The first aircraft to receive this makeover, the Airbus A320neo (VT-EXN), entered the hangar for refurbishment this week. After completing prototyping and obtaining regulatory approvals, the revamped VT-EXN is expected to return to commercial service by December 2024. It will join the fleet of eight newly delivered A320neo planes, already fitted with upgraded interiors.

Air India plans to retrofit three to four aircraft per month, with the goal of completing the modernization of its narrow-body fleet by mid-2025. Campbell Wilson, Air India's CEO & Managing Director, highlighted the importance of this project, stating, “The start of the narrow-body fleet's interior refit marks a key milestone in our mission to elevate the flying experience. Our wide-body aircraft will also follow suit, as we work towards transforming Air India into a world-class airline."

Since Tata's acquisition of Air India in 2022, the company has made significant investments in new aircraft acquisitions, brand revamping, and operational improvements. The refurbished A320neo jets will feature an enhanced cabin layout, offering eight luxury Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 132 Economy Class seats. Passengers can expect more spacious seating, improved legroom, modern lighting, USB charging ports, and updated cabin aesthetics.

In Business Class, passengers will enjoy 40-inch seats with adjustable armrests and charging options, while Premium Economy will offer larger seats with adjustable headrests and 32-inch legroom. Economy Class will feature ergonomic seats with a 28-29 inch pitch, providing additional comfort.

As part of this extensive upgrade, Air India will install over 15,000 new-generation seats across all classes. The airline also plans to revamp 40 older Boeing 787 and 777 wide-body aircraft, with the first upgrades set to begin in early 2025. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Air India, as it positions itself as a premium global airline.