Air India (AI), owned by Gurugram-Tata Group, is launching a temporary refresh of the Boeing 777 Fleet amid a global supply chain disruption affecting a complete retrofit plan.
According to HT, the airline’s 13 Boeing 777 aircraft will serve the US-Canada route and receive significant upgrades through partnerships with SIA engineering companies.
Air India Retrofit 777
The first 777 aircraft departed for Singapore last week, marking the beginning of this interim strengthening programme. SIA Engineering Company, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SQ) Group, will oversee the implementation of these updates across the 777 fleet.
The Refresh Program focuses on passenger comfort elements and introduces new seat covers, cushions, curtains and carpets tailored to Air India’s updated brand identity. This temporary solution meets immediate needs and airlines await the conditions suitable for a complete remodel.
Air India is aiming to complete this renewal initiative by December 2025, ensuring that all 13 aircraft offering ultra-long-range routes to the US and Canada will receive these updates.
The airline has developed this interim strategy to maintain quality of service standards despite the challenges of the global supply chain that slows down more comprehensive aircraft changes.
Cabin overhaul
Air India launches a massive cabin refresh operation targeting mandatory repairs across multiple interior components. Comprehensive updates include bathroom maintenance, restoration of cabin walls, and improvements to dining tables, armrests and galley areas.
Airline officials revealed on HT that the entertainment system and aircraft coloring in flight remain unchanged during the process.
The carrier has strategically focused on strengthening premium services and optimizing flight schedules to strengthen its position in the US market.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is tackling supply chain challenges in its November 2023 internal communications, highlighting specific concerns about delays in the production of seats affecting remodeling plans for the phallus aircraft. Masu.
In an interview with Reuters, Wilson detailed how seat manufacturers face important workforce and capacity constraints. He predicted a two-year timeline for upgrading the widebody fleet to meet international standards as Retrofit began.
Air India’s transformation strategy includes renovations to 67 legacy aircraft, including both narrow and wide-body planes. The narrow body aircraft modifications will progress towards the July 2025 completion target, but the wide body renovations are facing postponement until the end of 2025.
Million dollar transformation
In September 2024, Air India announced that it had launched one of the largest modification programs in the Indian aviation industry.
Airlines will need to spend $400 million on modifying 67 planes, including both narrow and wide-body jets.
The airline has 27 narrow aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo aircraft. Plus, there are 40 Boeing aircraft, and it will undergo a complete transformation with its $1 million retrofit plan.
Under Tata ownership and the leadership of Campbell Wilson, the airline aims to rejuvenate the airline into a world-class airline.
As of February 2025, Air India has a fleet of 202 aircraft, including 70 Vistara aircraft. During the sister carrier, Air India Express has 97 aircraft. In total, the Air India Group has 299 aircraft.
Featured Images by Utkarsh Thakkar | Vimanspotter
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