Air India Completes Retrofit of 27 Planes, Adds Premium Economy Seats

Transportation

31st October 2025, 3:20 PM

Air India Completes Retrofit of 27 Planes, Adds Premium Economy Seats

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Short Description :

Air India has completed the retrofit of 27 of its legacy A320 neo aircraft, now featuring premium economy class seats. This upgrade is part of the airline's broader USD 400 million initiative to modernize its entire fleet. The retrofitted planes, which joined the fleet over the past year, now boast 4,428 new seats across economy, premium economy, and business classes. This enhancement is a key component of Air India's ambitious five-year transformation plan, aiming to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Detailed Coverage :

Air India has successfully completed the retrofit of 27 legacy A320 neo aircraft, now featuring premium economy class seats. This upgrade is part of the airline's USD 400 million initiative to modernize its entire fleet. The retrofitted planes now house 4,428 new seats, including 648 in premium economy, alongside economy and business class seats. Air India's CEO has provided timelines for refurbishing Boeing 787-8 and 777 fleets by mid-2027 and early 2028, respectively. This fleet enhancement is a key component of Air India's ambitious five-year transformation plan, aiming to boost passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Impact: This substantial investment in fleet modernization and passenger comfort can enhance Air India's competitiveness, potentially increasing revenue and improving its market position within the Indian aviation sector. The introduction of premium economy targets a lucrative travel segment, reflecting a strategic growth move. Rating: 7/10.

Difficult Terms: Retrofit: Upgrading existing aircraft with new features. Legacy fleet: Older aircraft models still in operation. Premium economy class: A travel class more comfortable than economy, less expensive than business. A320 neo: A fuel-efficient variant of the Airbus A320. A320 ceos: Older models of the Airbus A320. Dreamliner (Boeing 787): Boeing's long-range, efficient jetliner. Privatisation: Transfer of ownership from public to private sector. Headwinds: Challenges impeding progress.