Air India is undertaking a massive fleet retrofit program, impacting its operations and passenger experience. The airline is investing \$400 million to modernize its legacy fleet, aiming to deliver a world-class flying experience and enhance operational reliability. This program involves retrofitting both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft with new interiors, advanced entertainment systems, and other improvements.
Timeline and Scope of the Retrofit Program
The retrofit program covers a significant portion of Air India's existing fleet. It includes 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and 13 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Additionally, 27 Airbus A320neo narrow-body aircraft are also part of this upgrade.
The wide-body retrofit program has commenced, with the first Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANT) sent to Boeing's facility in Victorville, California, in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart in October 2025, with both expected to return to service in December 2025. The entire Boeing 787-8 retrofit is scheduled to be completed by mid-2027. Following the 787-8s, Air India plans to retrofit 13 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, with a targeted completion date of October 2028. This timeline has been extended due to supply chain delays.
The narrow-body retrofit program for the 27 Airbus A320neo aircraft is progressing well and is expected to be completed by September 2025. As of August 9, 2025, 16 A320neo aircraft had already been retrofitted, with the 15th returning to service on August 9 and the 16th scheduled to return on August 11.
What the Retrofit Means for Passengers
The retrofit program aims to significantly enhance the passenger experience. The upgrades include:
With these upgrades, passengers can expect more comfortable journeys, modern amenities, and a more consistent flying experience across the Air India fleet.
Operational Impacts and Challenges
While the retrofit program promises significant improvements, it also presents operational challenges. The extensive retrofitting requires multiple aircraft to be out of service, leading to a shortfall in the available fleet. This has already led to the suspension of Air India's non-stop flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C., starting September 1, 2025. The airline also cites the continued closure of Pakistani airspace, which results in longer flight routes and increased operational complexity, as a contributing factor to the suspension.
Air India also faces potential challenges from global supply chain disruptions, which could impact the availability of critical components and increase maintenance costs.
Broader Implications
Air India's fleet modernization is part of a broader transformation plan under the Tata Group, which took over the airline in early 2022. The company has placed orders for new aircraft and is investing in digital systems, crew training, and ground operations.
The airline aims to improve its reliability, reduce delays, and provide passengers with a better overall experience. The completion of the retrofit program will position Air India to meet the demands of a growing network and strengthen its competitiveness in the aviation market.
