Air India has unveiled its first retrofitted Boeing 787-8 aircraft, marking the start of a broader cabin upgrade programme across its widebody fleet.
First Retrofitted Boeing 787-8 Joins Air India Fleet
The aircraft (registered VT-ANT) is the first of 26 Boeing 787 aircraft scheduled for refurbishment. The retrofit work was carried out at Boeing's modification facility in Victorville, California, followed by repainting at AeroPro in San Bernardino.
Cabin Reconfiguration and Features
The aircraft has been reconfigured from a two-class layout to a three-class configuration, aligning it with the airline's updated product standards. It now includes Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Business Class features a 1-2-1 layout with enclosed suites, while Premium Economy is arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. Economy Class retains a 3-3-3 layout. All cabins are equipped with upgraded seating, inflight entertainment systems and charging ports.
The retrofit also included updates to cabin interiors such as new carpets, curtains, wall panels, galley and lavatory upgrades, and the installation of a new cabin service system.
Retrofit Program Progress
According to Air India, the first retrofit required over 12,800 manhours across 45 days. The airline plans to complete upgrades on 25 additional Boeing 787 aircraft, with two currently undergoing refurbishment.
Campbell WilsonCampbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: "This is a yet another proud milestone in our transformation journey as we welcome this transformed legacy B787 aircraft as a shining beacon of the new Air India. The retrofit of our first widebody aircraft is a visible symbol of the momentum behind Air India's transformation. With 25 other 787s undergoing this comprehensive refresh, we are rapidly modernizing the backbone of our long-haul fleet and raising the bar for customers flying between India and the world."
The retrofit program is part of a broader investment estimated at approximately $400 million, aimed at modernizing the airline's legacy fleet. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Boeing.
Fleet Modernization Plans
Upon completion of the Boeing 787 retrofit programme, expected by 2027, the airline plans to operate upgraded aircraft across key long-haul routes, including destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia.
In addition, Air India has indicated plans to refurbish its fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft as part of ongoing fleet modernization efforts.