In a recent update, Air India is all set to embark on a transformative journey worth around $400 million! The refurbishment program aims to modernize 67 of its older aircraft. With this, the Tata-owned airline wants to upgrade its status to that of a luxury carrier. This major refurbishment will begin with 27 narrow-body Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by a comprehensive refurbishment of 40 wide-body Boeing aircraft.

The phased refurbishment will introduce a modernized three-cabin layout across the fleet. This includes upgrades to seating, carpeting, curtains and upholstery. The first aircraft to undergo this extensive refurbishment will be the Airbus A320neo, VT-EXN, which arrived at the hangar this week. Following completion of the prototyping phase and receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, VT-EXN is expected to resume commercial operation by December 2024. It will join the eight recently delivered A320neo aircraft, already equipped with updated cabin interiors and configurations.

After VT-EXN, Air India plans to upgrade three to four aircraft per month, aiming to complete the modernization of its narrowbody fleet by mid-2025. Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director, Air India, highlighted the importance of this upgrade, saying, “The commencement of the interior upgrade of the narrowbody fleet is an important step in our journey to improve our customers' flying experience. Over time, all legacy wide-body aircraft will also be converted. This comprehensive modernization of Air India's physical product is an important component of making Air India a world-class airline."

Since the airline's acquisition by Tata in 2022, significant investments have been made to acquire hundreds of new aircraft, refreshing the carrier's brand and implementing operational improvements. The upgraded A320neo aircraft will feature eight luxurious business class seats, 24 premium economy seats with extra legroom and 132 comfortable economy class seats. Improvements include spacious legroom, modern lighting, USB ports (type A and C) for charging devices and an updated cabin interior with new carpets, curtains and upholstery.

Business class will offer 40 -inch seats with adjustable armrests and charging ports, while Premium Economy will have larger seats with adjustable headrests and 32 inches of legroom. Economy class will have ergonomic seats with 28-29 inches of pitch and extra legroom. As part of this upgrade, more than 15,000 new-generation seats will be installed across all classes.

Air India is also preparing to overhaul 40 older wide-body Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. New designs and high-quality seats have already been completed, and the airline is working with seat manufacturers to gain approvals and speed up production. The first wide-body aircraft is expected to begin modernization in early 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for Air India's fleet.

Source: timesofindia

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