After some delay, Air India is all set to commence its refit programme for its Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
VT-ANT at an Air India hangar in Mumbai before departure to Victorville – Image, Air India
Air India has commenced the widebody retrofit programme for its legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft, with the first of 26 aircraft (VT-ANT) having flown to a Boeing facility in Victorville, California, in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart for the same facility in October 2025, with both expected to return to service in December 2025.
The retrofit programme for Air India’s Boeing 787-8s is scheduled for completion by mid-2027.
This will introduce brand-new interiors featuring a three-class configuration with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats, including installation of brand-new seats in each cabin, in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, new carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys and more.
In addition to the interiors, the airline will be implementing a Reliability Enhancement Programme for its legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Air India will be upgrading the avionics and other critical components of the 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft. In addition, seven of the 26 Boeing 787-8s will undergo heavy, scheduled maintenance (D-checks) whilst at Victorville.
Boeing 777-300s in the queue
Starting in early 2027, Air India will retrofit 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, aiming for completion by October 2028.
It appears that the delays for this refit are due to continued supply chain delays.
A320neo refit continues
Air India’s narrowbody retrofit programme for its 27 legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft that commenced last September is progressing, with completion targeted in September 2025.
To date, 16 A320neo aircraft have been retrofitted, with the 15th aircraft having returned to service on 9 August 2025, and the 16th aircraft scheduled to return to service on 11 August 2025. The remaining 11 A320neo will be retrofitted by September 2025, with three lines being used to retrofit the aircraft.
These upgraded A320neo aircraft, featuring all-new cabins, are being progressively deployed on key domestic and short-haul international routes.
A big investment
Air India is spending over US$400 million on its “legacy” fleet, as it seeks to improve the passenger experience, as new aircraft come online, with cabin retrofits, as well as improving the reliability with updated avionics and mandatory checks.
Work like this – especially on the first few aircraft – takes time, as engineering crews understand the scale of the work, as well as how to complete tasks to complete the refit.
For passengers, it will mean a better experience; however, it’s going to take time to bring the fleet to the standard Air India wishes to present.
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