Air India has kicked off a $400 million retrofit programme to modernise both its widebody and narrowbody aircraft, aiming to boost passenger comfort and operational reliability.

The first of 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, registered as VT-ANT, arrived at Boeing’s California facility in July for interior upgrades. A second aircraft will follow in October, with both expected to rejoin service by December 2025. The full B787-8 retrofit programme is scheduled for completion by mid-2027.

New Interiors and Configurations
The upgraded Dreamliners will feature a refreshed three-class layout — Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy — with new seats, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, revamped lavatories, galleys, carpets, curtains, and upholstery. The redesign is part of Air India’s new product and customer experience standards.

777-300ER and Reliability Enhancements
The initiative will also extend to 13 legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with refurbishment beginning in early 2027 and targeted for completion by October 2028, delayed slightly by supply chain challenges. Air India has launched a Reliability Enhancement Programme for its 26 B787-8s, analysing maintenance and configuration records to implement Boeing-recommended modifications. Seven of the Dreamliners will also undergo heavy D-check maintenance in California.

A320neo Narrowbody Upgrades
Parallel to the widebody work, Air India is retrofitting its 27 legacy A320neo aircraft. This programme, which began in September 2024, is set to finish by September 2025. With an added third maintenance line at GMR’s Hyderabad MRO facility, progress has accelerated — 15 aircraft have already been upgraded, with the 16th returning to service on August 11.

Air India says the comprehensive retrofit plan reflects its long-term commitment to technical excellence and passenger experience as the airline modernises its fleet.

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