Source – Vijay Sartape_NDTV Profit
Legacy Aircraft Overhaul Underway
Air India has received the first of its refurbished Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft following an extensive refresh, with the remaining 12 aircraft expected to undergo similar upgrades by the end of the year. Originally planned for last year, the refitting process faced delays due to supply chain disruptions. To address this, the airline opted for a heavy refresh, which includes new carpets, seat covers, cushions, and repairs to broken seats. This upgrade is part of Air India’s broader strategy to modernize its aging wide-body fleet, consisting of 13 Boeing 777s and 27 Boeing 787s. The overhaul of the first aircraft was carried out in Singapore and took approximately 50 days to complete. Officials have confirmed that the remaining legacy Boeing 777 aircraft will be refreshed by the end of 2024.
Deployment Plans and Fleet Expansion
Following its refurbishment, the first refreshed aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic routes for a short period before being assigned to ultra-long-haul operations. Air India’s Boeing 777 aircraft are primarily used for long-distance routes, connecting major international cities such as Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as San Francisco, Chicago, Newark, and New York in the United States. These ultra-long-haul flights, typically lasting over 14 hours, require Boeing 777 aircraft with enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency. The airline’s wide-body fleet comprises 67 aircraft, including 19 Boeing 777-300 ERs (six of which were leased from Etihad Airways), eight Boeing 777-200 LRs (five leased from Delta Air Lines), 27 Boeing 787-8s, seven Boeing 787-9s, and six Airbus A350-600s. Additionally, Air India plans to begin retrofitting its legacy Boeing 787 aircraft starting in April, further extending its fleet modernization efforts.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Air India is undertaking a USD 400 million retrofit program to upgrade its narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, with expectations to complete all legacy wide-body aircraft upgrades by mid-2027. The first retrofitted Airbus A320 neo has already returned to service, and the airline aims to complete the refurbishment of all 27 A320 neo aircraft by the third quarter of this year. However, supply chain disruptions continue to pose challenges, particularly in acquiring Boeing 777 aircraft engines, seating components, and fuselage parts. Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged the global supply chain crisis, stating that the airline, like others worldwide, is affected by ongoing constraints, which are expected to persist for another four to five years. Despite these challenges, Air India remains committed to enhancing passenger experience and maintaining operational efficiency through its ambitious fleet upgrade program.
