Air India преодолела отметку в 50% для своей программы модернизации салонов стоимостью 400 миллионов долларов

DELHI- Air India (AI) announced today that more than 50% of its fleet now features upgraded cabin interiors as part of its comprehensive $400 million retrofit program.

The initiative aims to transform passenger experience across both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft in the carrier’s expanding fleet.

Photo: Air India

Air India Retrofit Program Update

The extensive upgrades include the installation of new seats configured in a three-class cabin layout throughout the fleet. The refreshed aircraft now features:

• Business Class cabins with enhanced seating
• Premium Economy cabins (unique to Air India (AI) in the domestic market)
• Redesigned Economy Class sections

Beyond seating, the modernisation encompasses new carpets, curtains, refurbished lavatories, and fresh paint showcasing Air India’s revamped branding under Tata Group ownership.

Photo: Air India

Transformation Plan

The retrofit program represents a cornerstone of the airline’s 5-year transformation strategy following its acquisition by the Tata Group. “The programme is an important step forward… It will help provide a consistent product and service experience across the fleet,” Air India emphasised in its statement.

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson underscored the significance of the initiative during his March appearance at the Skift India Forum, calling the aircraft modernization “the number one priority” for the airline.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson | Photo: Courtesy of Creator

Timeline for Completion

The carrier has established specific completion targets for different segments of its fleet:

• All 27 A320neo aircraft will complete retrofitting by the third quarter of 2024, with the first upgraded A320neo already returned to service
• All legacy wide-body aircraft, including Boeing 777s and 787s, will receive full upgrades by early to mid-2027

Wilson acknowledged the timeline extends longer than initially planned, citing industry-wide supply chain constraints.

Following its merger with Vistara (UK) last year, Air India (AI) has expanded the modernisation program to include Vistara’s fleet. The repainting and retrofitting of former Vistara (UK) aircraft will require approximately 18 additional months to complete, integrating them fully into Air India’s refreshed brand identity.

Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)

Industry Supply Constraints

Wilson addressed broader industry challenges affecting modernisation timelines, noting the global aviation sector faces significant supply constraints expected to persist for several years.

“Reality is that it is going to remain a supply-constrained market, not just for Air India or India, but worldwide… for another 4–5 years,” he explained.

Shortages of engines, seats, and various aircraft components have forced Air India (AI) to implement strategic deployment decisions. “If you are capacity constrained, you have to be a little bit ruthless in where you deploy your aircraft to maximise returns,” Wilson stated. “Getting one or two leased aircraft with a different configuration adds to the complexity rather than advancing you.”

Despite these challenges, Air India (AI) continues pushing forward with its fleet transformation as part of its broader strategy to reclaim its position as a global aviation leader under Tata Group ownership.

Featured Image by Harsh Tekriwal | AvgeekwithLens

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News

The post Air India Crosses 50% Mark for its $400 Million Cabin Retrofit Program appeared first on Aviation A2Z.