Air India’s Grand Fleet Revamp: Legacy Jets Get a Modern Makeover

Air India, under the Tata Group’s stewardship, has set in motion one of the most ambitious fleet renewal drives in Indian aviation, launching its comprehensive retrofit programme for both its widebody and narrowbody aircraft. This move comes in the wake of persistent criticism over declining service standards and aims to provide world-class onboard amenities and passenger comfort, aligning the older fleet with Air India’s latest generation of aircraft.

Taking Off: Retrofit Programme Launch

The retrofit initiative officially commenced in July 2025, with the first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner sent to the United States for a complete overhaul. The aircraft is expected to return by December this year, serving as the benchmark for upgrades across Air India’s legacy Dreamliner fleet. The airline has committed to retrofitting two Boeing 787-8s each month thereafter, with the goal of completing the remaining 25 Dreamliners by June 2027. Alongside, the narrowbody Airbus A320neo fleet, which forms the backbone of domestic and short-haul services, is undergoing rapid refurbishment, projected to finish by September 2025.

Key Highlights of the Retrofit Strategy

Widebody Focus: All 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners are to be upgraded, featuring new business, premium economy, and economy class seats, latest inflight entertainment systems, modern galleys, redesigned lavatories, refreshed carpets, and updated branding consistent with Air India’s newest aircraft.

Narrowbody Acceleration: Of the 27 legacy A320neo aircraft, 14 have already been retrofitted and returned to service. Upgrades include installation of over 3,500 brand-new economy class seats, more than 600 premium economy seats, and 200 business class seats. The remainder are scheduled for completion by the end of the third quarter of 2025, fast-tracking passenger experience enhancements on domestic and regional routes.

Boeing 777 Refresh: Beyond the major overhauls, older Boeing 777s are receiving a “heavy refresh" with new seat covers, carpets, cushions, and repairs, expected to conclude by the end of 2025.

Partnering for Excellence

To ensure the highest standards in engineering reliability and customer service, Air India is collaborating closely with Singapore Airlines, leveraging global best practices. Singapore Airlines, a strategic partner with a 25.1% stake in the airline, is actively supporting technical upgrading and operational improvements. The partnership aims to accelerate the restoration of aging aircraft to pristine condition.

Transformation Under Tata Group

Air India’s retrofit programme is part of a broader transformation journey initiated after its return to Tata Group ownership in 2022. The airline had placed historic orders of 470 new Airbus and Boeing planes in 2023, reinforced by another 100 Airbus aircraft in 2024. But with new deliveries staggered into the early 2030s, Air India’s immediate priority is to uplift passenger experience across its existing fleet—elevating standards, reliability, and brand image.

Fleet Safety and Reliability

The rejuvenation of Air India’s fleet follows heightened regulatory scrutiny and a tragic incident—the crash of a Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANB) near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. This has underlined the urgency for robust safety measures and rigorous quality controls, prompting Air India to implement additional fleet inspections and targeted reliability upgrades. A phased restoration of international operations began on August 1 and aims for full resumption by October 1, 2025.

Looking Forward

Air India’s $400 million comprehensive retrofit programme is a critical element of its update plan. The airline expects that, by the end of the current financial year, approximately 68% of its widebody fleet and the entire legacy narrowbody fleet will be upgraded, ensuring consistency in the onboard experience for every passenger.

Source: CNBC-TV18, Times of India, Rediff Money, and verified Air India press release