Air India looks to complete widebody planes' retrofitting by Oct 2028

Air India aims to complete retrofitting its widebody fleet by October 2028 as part of its US$400 million fleet upgrade programme, enhancing the flying experience and operational reliability

Air India on Sunday said its retrofitting of the widebody fleet began last month and is scheduled to conclude by October 2028, as part of the airline’s $400 million fleet upgrade programme aimed at delivering a better flying experience and enhancing operational reliability.

 

The first of 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft (VT-ANT) flew to Boeing’s facility in Victorville, California, in July, and a second aircraft will depart for the same facility in October this year. Both are expected to return to service in December with new interiors featuring a three-class configuration, including Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, upgraded inflight entertainment systems, new carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, and galleys.

 

As part of a “Reliability Enhancement Programme”, Air India will upgrade avionics and other critical components of the 26 legacy B787-8s to “the latest industry standards” to improve reliability. This involves analysing maintenance and configuration records and implementing modifications recommended by Boeing’s service bulletins. Seven of these aircraft will also undergo heavy maintenance checks (D-checks) at Victorville. 

 

On 12 June, an Air India B787 headed to London crashed near Ahmedabad airport shortly after take-off, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) last month stated that the aircraft’s fuel control switches moved to the OFF position shortly after take-off, causing both engines to flame out. The cause of the switch movement will be determined in the final AAIB report.

 

Air India on Sunday said its narrowbody retrofitting programme for its 27 legacy Airbus A320neo aircraft, which began in September 2024, is “progressing as scheduled” with completion due in September 2025. Fifteen aircraft have been upgraded so far, with the 15th returning to service on 9 August and the 16th due on 11 August. “The addition of a third line at GMR’s MRO in Hyderabad has expedited the process,” the airline said. These upgraded aircraft, featuring all-new cabins, are being deployed on key domestic and short-haul international routes.

 

The airline will complete the retrofitting of all 26 B787-8s by mid-2027 before starting work on 13 Boeing 777-300ERs in early 2027. “The timeline has shifted due to supply chain delays,” Air India noted, but the 777 retrofits are still targeted for completion by October 2028.