The widebody retrofit programme—slated for completion across all 26 B787-8 aircraft by mid-2027—will unveil a fully reimagined three-class cabin, featuring new business, premium economy, and economy seating tailored to Air India’s upgraded service standards.
National flag-carrier Air India has announced significant progress on its $400 million fleet retrofit initiative, aimed at elevating passenger experience and enhancing operational reliability across its legacy aircraft. The programme spans both widebody and narrowbody fleets, reinforcing the national carrier’s commitment to modernising its in-service aircraft.
The retrofit of Air India’s legacy Boeing 787-8 fleet is now underway, with the first aircraft (VT-ANT) having departed for Boeing’s facility in Victorville, California, in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to follow in October, with both expected to re-enter service by December 2025, a recent statement from the airline has said.
The comprehensive upgrade—scheduled for completion across all 26 B787-8s by mid-2027—will introduce a refreshed three-class cabin layout featuring new business, premium economy, and economy seating. Enhancements include advanced inflight entertainment systems, upgraded lavatories and galleys, new carpeting, curtains, and upholstery, all aligned with Air India’s redefined product and service standards.
From early 2027, Air India will also begin retrofitting 13 legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with completion targeted by October 2028. The timeline has been adjusted due to global supply chain constraints.
Reliability Upgrades for B787-8 Fleet
In parallel, Air India is implementing a reliability enhancement programme for its B787-8 aircraft. This includes avionics upgrades and critical component replacements to meet current industry standards. The initiative involves a detailed review of maintenance and configuration records, followed by modifications based on Boeing’s service information bulletins, aimed at reducing operational disruptions and improving fleet dependability.
Seven of the 26 B787-8s will also undergo heavy maintenance (D-checks) at Victorville, ensuring long-term performance and safety.
Air India’s narrowbody retrofit programme, covering 27 legacy A320neo aircraft, is progressing on schedule. Initiated in September 2024, the project is set for completion by September 2025. The addition of a third retrofit line at GMR’s MRO facility in Hyderabad has accelerated the pace, with 16 aircraft already upgraded.
These refurbished A320neo aircraft, featuring all-new cabins, are being deployed across key domestic and short-haul international routes.