In 2022, Air India announced it would set aside USD 400 million to retrofit aircraft, including its existing 777 and 787 widebodies. The airline was supposed to start retrofitting the widebodies and follow up with the narrowbody aircraft. However, it has now flipped the plan, and the narrowbody aircraft are going through a retrofit first.
Air India initiates narrowbody retrofit.
Air India announced the commencement of its over USD 400 million retrofit programme for a phased revamp of 67 legacy aircraft in its fleet. Air India will use this retrofit to refresh the product to the new Air India experience — with a three-cabin configuration, new seats, new carpets, curtains and upholstery. The programme has started with the 27 narrowbody Airbus A320neo aircraft, followed by the 40 widebody Boeing aircraft.
The first narrowbody aircraft to commence the refit program is VT-EXN, an A320neo that went into the hangar on Monday, September 16, 2024. After prototyping and necessary regulatory approvals, VT-EXN is expected to re-enter commercial service in December 2024, joining the eight recently delivered and operational Air India A320neo aircraft that already feature upgraded cabin interiors and configuration.
VT-EXN, Air India’s leased A320neo, enters the hangar (Image Courtesy Air India)
Following VT-EXN, between three and four aircraft per month will undergo retrofit, with the upgradation of the entire narrowbody fleet expected by the middle of 2025. It is unclear that when Air India states “an upgrade of the entire narrowbody fleet”, it means only the 27 A320neo that were inducted in the fleet between February 2017 and April 2019, or if older aircraft such as the 8 A319s, 13 A321ceos, 9 A320ceos and the four recently inducted a321neos will also be included in the retrofit.
The 14 A320neos in full-economy configuration and five A320ceos in full-economy configuration are expected to be handed over to Air India Express.
The retrofit project will be coordinated by Air India’s Engineering team with leading global OEMs, such as Collins, Astronics, and Thales. The exercise will see the installation of over 15,000 next-generation seats across Premium Economy, Business, and Economy Class.
In parallel with the narrowbody retrofit program, final preparations continue for the full interior upgradation of 40 legacy widebody Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. Seats and inflight entertainment systems have been selected, interior designs are complete, and the airline is working closely with seat manufacturers to finalise regulatory certification and expedite production. Subject to the availability of the shipsets, Air India expects the retrofit of the first widebody aircraft to commence in early 2025.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said,
The commencement of interior refit of the narrowbody fleet is an important step in our journey of enhancing the flying experience of our customers. Over time, all the legacy widebody aircraft will also be refitted. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of Air India transforming into a world-class airline.
What to expect on the retrofit Air India A320neos?
The retrofit A320neo aircraft will feature eight seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 seats in Economy, offering more comprehensive choice to its guests. Subtle cabin lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports with type A and C options to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others, will contribute significantly to offer guests an inflight experience catering to the needs of today’s discerning flyers. Carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels will be refreshed with new tones and design motifs reinforcing the brand livery.
The Business cabins will offer 40-inch ergonomic seats with a 7-inch recline, an adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest, and a tray table deployed at the push of a button that includes a (personal Electronic Device (PED) holder with multiple charging ports. The Premium Economy cabins provide larger seats with superior upholstery, a four-way adjustable headrest, a 32-inch pitch with a 4-inch recline, a PED holder and USB ports. Economy seats are ergonomically designed with comfortable upholstery, 28-29-inch seat pitch, 4-inch recline and legroom with amenities like a PED holder and USB ports.
Air India’s new Economy Class seat for the A320neo
Bottomline
Air India has launched its ambitious retrofit project for its fleet’s narrowbody aircraft, which will be equipped with the new 3-cabin seat configuration. The livery will be the new Air India one. The airline expects to put the first aircraft back in service by the end of the year and retrofit 3-4 aircraft every month. The widebody retrofit will start in early 2025, as per current projections.
What do you make of the Air India Retrofit exercise?
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