Air India has decided to retrofit its 13 legacy A321 ceo aircraft, which were initially intended to be retired. This decision comes amidst ongoing challenges in the global supply chain, which have caused delays in aircraft deliveries and upgrades for many airlines, including Air India. The airline is also planning to upgrade its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, with the first of these scheduled to undergo retrofitting in July 2025.

According to Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson, the company aims to upgrade approximately 68% of its wide-body fleet by the end of the current financial year and complete the upgrades of the entire fleet by 2027. As of June 2025, Air India's fleet includes 6 A319s, 94 A320 neos, 4 A320 ceos, 13 A321 ceos, and 10 A321 neos in its narrow-body category. The wide-body fleet consists of 6 A350s, 19 B777-300 ERs, 5 B777-200 LRs, 7 B787-9s, and 27 B787-8s.

The retrofit program includes significant enhancements to the aircraft interiors. New seats will be installed in a three-class cabin configuration, featuring Business Class, India's only Premium Economy, and an upgraded Economy Class. The refresh will also include new carpets, seat covers, cushions, and updated aircraft paint with Air India’s new branding.

Wilson acknowledged that supply chain issues are gradually improving but noted that bottlenecks persist, particularly concerning engines for narrow-body aircraft and the recovery of Boeing's 737 program. He anticipates that these challenges will continue to ease but expects the market to remain supply-constrained until 2029 or 2030.

Air India has already begun a heavy refresh program for its legacy B777s, with two aircraft already back in service. This refresh involves replacing carpets and seat covers, fixing broken seats, and refreshing cushions. The company anticipates completing the refresh of these planes by the end of 2025.

The decision to extend the lifespan of the 13 A321 ceo aircraft and upgrade them reflects Air India's commitment to improving its product and service offerings despite the current constraints in the aviation industry. The retrofitting aligns with Air India's broader transformation strategy under the Tata Group, aimed at establishing the airline as a world-class carrier. This initiative is part of a larger $400 million investment in retrofitting both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft to enhance the overall travel experience.