Air India has officially commenced its ambitious $400 million program to revamp the interiors of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet, marking a significant step in modernizing its fleet and enhancing passenger experience. The first aircraft has already been sent to a US facility for a complete overhaul, signaling the start of a multi-year effort to upgrade all 26 of its B787-8s by mid-2027.

This comprehensive refurbishment is a key element of the Tata Group-owned airline's broader strategy to regain passenger trust and revitalize its reputation. The airline has faced criticism in the past due to outdated service, worn interiors, and maintenance-related issues. The revamp aims to address these concerns by introducing new levels of comfort, technology, and aesthetics to the cabins.

The centerpiece of the upgrade is the introduction of new seats across all classes. Business class will feature lie-flat beds with premium finishes and direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration. Air India will also offer a premium economy option for the first time, featuring extra space and upgraded catering. Economy class will include ergonomically designed seats with USB ports and new in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens. All passengers can expect new carpets, seat fabrics, and updated lavatories and lighting. The airline also intends to incorporate modern Indian design themes.

Beyond seating, the refurbishment will bring state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems, high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, and ambient lighting to ease jet lag. Touchless lavatories and improved cabin insulation are also planned to enhance passenger comfort on long-haul flights.

Air India expects the first revamped B787-8 to return to service by December 2025. Following this, the airline plans to retrofit two to three wide-body jets monthly. CEO Campbell Wilson stated that two legacy Boeing aircraft would be sent for retrofitting each month, with all 25 remaining 787-8s upgraded by June 2027.

The refurbishment program extends beyond the Dreamliners. Air India is also upgrading the interiors of its Airbus A320neo narrow-body jets and plans to overhaul its Boeing 777s starting in late 2026. As of early August 2025, 14 of the 27 A320neo aircraft have already been retrofitted and returned to service.

While the fleet is being upgraded, Air India anticipates some challenges, including reduced flight frequencies and a greater reliance on leased jets. However, the airline believes these short-term difficulties are a necessary investment in its future. Air India is also working to improve the reliability of its legacy fleet by addressing supply chain delays and spare parts shortages. The company is collaborating with shareholder partner Singapore Airlines to exchange best practices on engineering, maintenance planning, and operational efficiency.

The ambitious $400 million investment demonstrates Air India's commitment to providing world-class service and regaining its position as a leading global airline. By modernizing its fleet and enhancing the passenger experience, Air India aims to reinforce trust with its passengers and set a new standard in the airline industry.