Whalesbook
First Boeing 787 Retrofit Complete
The $400 million project will see 26 Boeing 787 Dreamliners fully refurbished. The first aircraft, registered as VT-ANT, now features entirely new cabin interiors and the airline's updated livery. The complex work was carried out in the United States.
Inside the New Cabin: Suites to Economy
Inside, the jet now offers a three-class layout. Business Class guests will find 20 private suites with sliding doors and flat beds, designed to compete directly with top international carriers. A new Premium Economy section adds 25 seats for extra comfort, while the main Economy cabin seats 205 passengers with improved ergonomics and larger entertainment screens. The update also includes modern galleys, lavatories, and a new inflight entertainment system.
$400 Million Overhaul Timeline
This refurbishment is part of a wider $400 million investment to modernize the airline's existing fleet. Air India aims to upgrade 25 more Boeing 787s over the next year, with two already undergoing the process. The initial retrofit was a massive undertaking, taking 45 days and over 12,800 man-hours for a complete cabin overhaul, including extensive testing and exterior repainting.
Boosting Global Reach Under Tata
The entire program, expected to finish by 2027, is set to greatly improve the travel experience on more than 300 weekly international flights to destinations like Europe, the UK, and Australia. This fleet modernization is a central pillar of Air India's ambitious transformation under the Tata Group, aimed at renewing its fleet and enhancing services to become a leading global airline.