Tata Group-owned Air India has welcomed the first of its revamped Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, showcasing a fresh, luxurious look as part of its ongoing fleet modernization.

As per a report from PTI, the airline plans to refurbish the remaining 12 legacy B777s by the end of this year.

Originally slated to begin last year, the retrofit programme faced delays due to global supply chain disruptions. However, Air India has since accelerated efforts to upgrade these aircraft with premium interiors. The refurbishment, which completed in Singapore, took approximately 50 days and included a comprehensive overhaul of cabin features.

Aircraft Upgrades: A Luxurious Travel Experience

The refurbished B777-300ER boasts significant enhancements, including:

• New premium-class seating with ergonomic designs

Air India’s Wide-Body Fleet Expansion

The airline currently operates 40 legacy wide-body aircraft, comprising 13 B777s and 27 B787s. The B777 fleet primarily serves ultra-long-haul routes exceeding 14 hours, connecting India to key destinations like:

North America: Toronto, Vancouver, Newark, New York, San Francisco, Chicago

Other long-haul international routes

Air India’s total wide-body fleet includes:

19 B777-300ERs (6 leased from Etihad Airways)

8 B777-200LRs (5 leased from Delta Air Lines)

7 B787-9s, 27 legacy B787-8s, and 6 A350-900s

The first legacy B787-8 is set to undergo retrofitting in April. Meanwhile, the airline’s narrow-body fleet consists of 14 A321neos, 94 A320neos, 13 A321ceos, 4 A320ceos, and 6 A319s.

$400 Million Retrofit Programme Progress

As part of its $400 million fleet modernization initiative, Air India has already reintroduced its first retrofitted A320neo into service. The airline aims to complete the refurbishment of all 27 A320neo aircraft by Q3 2025.

Supply Chain Challenges Persist, Says CEO

Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged ongoing supply chain constraints affecting retrofitting timelines. He noted shortages in aircraft engines, seat suppliers, and critical fuselage components, predicting that these challenges could persist globally for another 4-5 years.

“The reality is that the aviation industry remains supply-constrained, not just for Air India or India, but worldwide. Like every other airline, we are navigating these challenges as best we can,” Wilson told PTI.

With the first revamped B777 now in service, Air India continues its transformation into a world-class carrier, prioritizing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. Further updates on fleet upgrades are expected in the coming months.