A Monumental Undertaking
Since being privatized and returned to the Tata Group, Air India has embarked on a comprehensive transformation plan called Vihaan.AI. A cornerstone of this strategy is a massive $400 million investment to completely refurbish the cabins of its legacy
wide-body fleet. This includes 27 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and 13 Boeing 777 aircraft. The goal is to elevate the passenger experience to world-class standards, moving away from the outdated interiors that have long been a point of criticism for the airline. The project involves a complete overhaul: new seats, state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems, and a totally new cabin configuration. However, the ambitious plan has faced headwinds, with CEO Campbell Wilson noting that supply chain issues and supplier delays have pushed back timelines by as much as two years.
What's Changing Inside the Cabins
The most significant change for passengers is the introduction of a brand-new three-class configuration on the Boeing 787-8s and a four-class layout on the 777s. For the first time on these aircraft, Air India is introducing a Premium Economy cabin, a popular option for travelers seeking more comfort than economy without the full price of business class. The retrofitted B787-8s will feature 20 business class suites, 25 premium economy seats, and 205 economy seats. The B777s will retain a First Class cabin alongside the new additions. Every aspect of the interior is being upgraded, from seats and entertainment screens to carpets, wall laminates, and lavatories. The first retrofitted B787-8, which required over 12,800 man-hours of work, showcases the depth of the changes.
The Fleet in Focus and Shifting Timelines
The retrofit program is being rolled out in phases. The focus began with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet. The first refurbished plane returned to service in April 2026 after its overhaul at a Boeing facility in California. The airline expects to complete the retrofitting of its entire 26-strong legacy B787-8 fleet by mid-to-late 2027. Following the Dreamliners, the airline's 13 Boeing 777 aircraft are slated for their refurbishment. This process is now expected to begin in early 2027, with a targeted completion by the end of October 2028. These delays mean that for a period, the airline is performing a 'heavy refresh' on some 777s—updating upholstery and panels as an interim measure before the full seat upgrades can be completed.
The Passenger Payoff and The Bigger Picture
For travelers, this means a gradual but significant improvement in the inflight product on key international routes. As more retrofitted aircraft enter service, passengers on flights to Europe, North America, and Australia will begin to experience the new cabins. The introduction of Premium Economy offers a new choice, and the upgraded Business Class suites with privacy doors and fully flat beds bring Air India in line with top global competitors. This cabin renewal is crucial for the airline's broader strategy. Alongside a historic order for hundreds of new aircraft, the refurbishment of its existing fleet is fundamental to rebuilding its brand and capturing a larger share of the lucrative international and long-haul market from India. The lengthy timeline, while frustrating for both the airline and its customers, reflects the sheer scale of the project and the global supply chain challenges affecting the entire aviation industry.
