Air India has introduced its first retrofitted Boeing 787-8 aircraft, signalling a key step in its ongoing fleet modernisation programme.
The aircraft (VT-ANT) has undergone a full cabin overhaul, shifting from a two-class to a three-class configuration with upgraded seating and a new inflight entertainment system. The retrofit was carried out at Boeing’s facility in California, followed by a fresh paint job in the airline’s new livery.
The revamped aircraft now features Business Class suites with privacy doors, Premium Economy seating, and upgraded Economy cabins, alongside redesigned interiors including new carpets, panels, and upgraded systems.
The retrofit took 45 days and over 12,800 manhours to complete, reflecting the scale of the upgrade.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson 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 modernising the backbone of our long-haul fleet and raising the bar for customers flying between India and the world.”
The airline plans to retrofit 25 more B787 aircraft over the next year as part of a $400 million investment, with further upgrades planned for its B777 fleet.