To offer an improved in-flight cabin experience onboard its aircraft, Air India is expected to commence retrofitting its legacy widebody planes in the second half of 2024, sources told FE.
Notably, the retrofit programme is a significant step in Air India’s transformation journey.
The airline had announced it would spend $400 million refurbishing its Boeing 777 and 787 widebody aircraft, as well as the A320neo planes.
At present, Air India has 36 Airbus A320neos, 22 Boeing 777s and 27 Boeing 787s.
The overall plan is to overhaul these aircraft with new seats, modern inflight entertainment systems, new upholstery and the possible addition of premium-class seats.
According to sources, the retrofit programme is likely to begin in July 2024 and run through 2027.
In detailing the plan, sources said that the timing of the refurbishment has been chosen after considering the current supply chain challenges.
Airline experts expect supply-side constraints to considerably ease by next year. Apart from interiors, the airline will gradually redo the exteriors of these aircraft with the new branding.
In August, Air India unveiled its mega brand makeover and new logo, which, the airline said, signifies “limitless possibilities”.
AI’s new logo, ‘The Vista’ — includes a modern design with golden, red, and purple colours.
Besides, the Tata Group-promoted airline has partnered with fashion designer Manish Malhotra to design new uniforms for over 10,000 Air India employees on the frontlines, including cabin crew, cockpit crew, ground staff, and security staff.
In 2021, Tata Sons’ subsidiary Talace acquired Air India along with Air India Express and AISATS.