- B787-8 retrofit programme begins with first aircraft in California (United States)
- Engineering solutions to boost technical reliability of legacy B787 fleet
- Seven B787s to undergo heavy maintenance for enhanced performance
- Retrofit of 27 A320neos nears completion in September 2025
Air India has commenced the widebody retrofit programme for its legacy B787-8 aircraft, with the first of 26 aircraft (VT-ANT) having flown to a Boeing facility in Victorville, California (United States) in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart for the same facility in October 2025, with both expected to return to service in December 2025.
The retrofit programme for Air India’s B787-8s, now on a steady schedule for completion by mid-2027, will introduce brand-new interiors featuring a three-class configuration with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seats. This includes the installation of brand-new seats in each cabin, advanced inflight entertainment (IFE) systems, new carpeting, curtains, upholstery, lavatories, galleys and more – all aligned with the new Air India product and customer experience standards.
Starting in early 2027, Air India will additionally retrofit 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, aiming for completion by October 2028, with the timeline having shifted due to supply chain delays. These timelines have shifted multiple times and the retrofit is now expected to be complete in October 2028.
Reliability Enhancement Programme for Legacy B787-8
As part of a Reliability Enhancement Programme, Air India will be upgrading the avionics and other critical components of the 26 legacy B787-8 aircraft up to the latest industry standards, thus improving their reliability. The programme entails the analysis of maintenance and configuration records for these aircraft, followed by the implementation of recommended modifications based on Boeing’s service information bulletins. This is intended to reduce operational disruptions for both, Air India and its customers.
Additionally, seven of the 26 B787-8s will undergo heavy, scheduled maintenance (D-checks) at Victorville, ensuring the fleet’s long-term operational excellence.
Air India’s narrowbody retrofit programme for its 27 legacy A320neo aircraft that commenced last September is progressing per schedule, with completion targeted in September 2025. The addition of a third line at GMR’s MRO in Hyderabad has expedited the process.
To date, 16 A320neo aircraft have been retrofitted, with the 15th aircraft having returned to service on 9 August 2025, and the 16th aircraft scheduled to return to service on 11 August 2025. The remaining 11 A320neo will be retrofitted by September 2025.
These upgraded A320neo aircraft, featuring all-new cabins, are being progressively deployed on key domestic and short-haul international routes, thereby enhancing passenger experience.
How does the fleet look like?
When the narrowbody retrofit is complete, the airline will have its entire 94 A320neo fleet in three class configuration with the 10 A321neo already in three class as they were inherited from Vistara. The future of four A320ceo and six A319 remains to be seen. They may be around till their next heavy checks are due but a lot depends on market conditions and supply chain constraints.
The widebody fleet on the other hand has a long way to go to get modernised. When will Air India turnaround? Your guess, is as good as mine.
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