Air India is gearing up for a luxury transformation, committing INR 3344 crore ($400 million) to refurbish its fleet of 67 aircraft, including both narrow-body Airbus A320neos and wide-body Boeing 787 and 777 planes. This extensive overhaul, part of its Vihaan.AI transformation plan, is set to redefine the airline’s global standing by providing an upscale experience that rivals the best in the world.
The refurbishment process is expected to be completed by December 2024, with the first narrow-body A320neo entering service by that time. This upgrade is a strategic move as Air India aims to strengthen its position in the competitive luxury air travel sector. The project comes at a crucial time, coinciding with Air India’s planned merger with Vistara.
“The commencement of the interior refit of the narrow-body fleet marks a critical milestone in our journey to enhance our customers’ flying experience,” said Campbell Wilson, Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
“This upgrade is essential to Air India’s transformation into a world-class airline,” he added.
A New Era for Cabins
With an aim of competing with the best in the world, the redesigned cabin interiors across all classes will offer a more luxurious and comfortable travel experience. The wide-body aircraft, in particular, will see major upgrades:
Business Class: Passengers will enjoy a new level of comfort with eight 40-inch premium seats featuring adjustable armrests, personal charging ports, and high-end finishes.
Premium Economy: A newly introduced cabin, it will offer 24 seats with increased legroom of 32 inches, catering to travelers seeking a balance of affordability and comfort.
First Class: On the Boeing 777 aircraft, Air India will retain its prestigious First Class, offering fully redesigned seats using top-quality materials.
Economy Class: Ergonomic seats and enhanced legroom will make flying in economy more enjoyable, with modern designs to maximize passenger comfort.
Over 15,000 new-generation seats will be installed across Premium Economy, Business, and Economy Class as part of this upgrade.
Design Expertise
Images: JPA Design and Trendworks
Air India has partnered with renowned London-based design firms, JPA Design and Trendworks, to create the sophisticated interiors. The firm, known for working with high-end brands like Taj Hotels and The Orient Express, plans to bring a unique blend of aviation and luxury expertise to the refurbishment.
Images: JPA Design and Trendworks
The firm has previously designed Singapore Airlines A380 suites, Cathay Pacific’s first-class cabins, and the interiors of the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Technology Meets Luxury
A major focus of the refurbishment is upgrading inflight technology. All cabin classes will feature the latest generation inflight entertainment systems, paired with USB Type A and Type C charging ports at each seat. This integration of tech features ensures passengers can stay connected throughout their journey.
“This is exciting! I’ve been waiting for Air India to upgrade its offerings for a long time,” says Shivam Gupta, a frequent business-class traveler. “It’s about time we get amenities comparable to airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, or Qatar Airways,” he adds.
Starting November 12, Air India will also handle Vistara’s aircraft and passengers, further consolidating operations and paving the way for a unified brand. With these advancements, Air India is committed to creating a flying experience that competes with the world’s top airlines, wanting to position itself as a premium choice for travelers globally.
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