Air India will spend $400 million to refurbish the cabins of 40 widebody jets, as it continues progress under its Vihaan.AI transformation programme.
The project will see 27 Boeing 787-8s and 13 777s receive new seats and an inflight entertainment system across all classes, says Air India.
Both aircraft types will also receive premium economy cabins, while first class will be retained on the 777s.
UK firms JPA Design and Trendworks have been appointed to help out with design elements involved in the upgrade work.
Engineering and regulatory preparation work is already underway. The first refurbished aircraft is expected to return to service in mid-2024.
“Under our Vihaan.AI transformation program, Air India has committed to attain the highest standards of product and service befitting of a world class airline,” says chief executive Campbell Wilson.
“We know that, at present, the cabin product on our 40 legacy widebody aircraft falls short of this standard. Although the project commenced some months ago, we are delighted to now publicly announce this significant investment on a complete interior refit, and we are confident that, when revealed, the new interiors will delight customers and show Air India in a new light.”
The cabin refurbishment news comes days after Air India announced that it will lease six 777-300ERs. In September, it said that would also lease five 777-200LRs.
Cirium fleets data indicates that Air India’s 27 787-8s have an average age of 8.4 years, while its 15 777-300ERs have an average age of 11.9 years.
