Air India has started retrofitting its Airbus A320neo fleet. The refit programme is scheduled to be completed by mid-2025.
Retrofit programme begins
Air India is in the middle of a massive transformative journey under its new owner Tata Group and this includes investing in new hard products as well. The airline is investing over US$400 million in a retrofit programme for a phased revamp of 67 aircraft, out of which 40 are widebody Boeing aircraft and 27 are narrowbody Airbus aircraft.
The narrowbody aircraft are the ones getting revamped first, including a new three-cabin configuration (Business, Premium Economy and Economy), new seats, new carpets, curtains and upholstery.
The first narrowbody aircraft to commence the refit program is VT-EXN, a single-aisle A320neo
that went into the hangar on 16th September 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 the upgraded cabin interiors and configuration.
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.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said.
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Following VT-EXN, between three and four aircraft per month will undergo retrofit, with
upgradation of the full narrowbody fleet expected by the middle of 2025.
The refitted A320neo aircraft will feature 8 seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats
in Premium Economy and 132 seats in Economy. For more details about the new seats, you can refer to this article.
The refit project will be coordinated by Air India’s Engineering team with leading global OEMs in such as Collins, Astronics and Thales among others. The exercise will see the installation of over 15,000 next-generation seats across Premium Economy, Business and Economy Class. In parallel to the narrowbody retrofit program, final preparations are being done by the carrier for the full interior upgradation of 40 legacy widebody Boeing B787 and B777 aircraft.
Featured image by Air India
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