Transportation
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28th October 2025, 4:56 PM

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Air India Express has taken a significant step in its modernization drive by inducting its first Boeing 737 aircraft with a completely overhauled cabin interior. This initiative is a key part of the Air India Group's post-privatisation revamp aimed at elevating the passenger experience.
The new cabin boasts 180 ergonomically designed leather seats manufactured by Collins Aerospace, offering improved comfort and cushioning. Passengers will benefit from USB-C charging ports at each seat, ensuring their devices remain powered during flights. The interior also features expanded overhead bin space for greater storage and Boeing's signature Sky Interior lighting, which creates a brighter, more spacious atmosphere.
Complementing the cabin improvements, Air India Express has enhanced its in-flight dining services. The installation of ovens allows for the serving of freshly heated meals, and the menu has been expanded to 18 options, including hot and cold dishes and new breakfast choices.
The retrofitting of the Boeing 737 narrow-body fleet is being executed at three major maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India: GMR, Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), and Air Works. This strategic move aims to redefine the low-cost travel experience in India and strengthen the airline's competitive standing.
Impact This news has a moderate impact of 6/10 on the Indian stock market. It signifies operational improvements and investment in fleet modernization for a major player in the Indian aviation sector, potentially boosting investor confidence in the sector and companies involved in aviation services.
Difficult Terms Explained: Boeing 737: A popular narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Cabin Interior: The passenger area inside an aircraft. Ergonomically designed: Designed to maximize efficiency and comfort in the working environment or for passengers. Collins Aerospace: A major aerospace manufacturer that supplies systems and components for aircraft. USB-C charging port: A modern, reversible connector used for charging devices and data transfer. Overhead bins: Storage compartments located above passenger seats inside an aircraft. Sky Interior: A lighting system by Boeing that simulates natural light cycles and offers customizable ambient lighting. In-flight dining: Food and beverage service provided to passengers during a flight. Retrofitting: The process of adding new technology or features to existing equipment. Narrow-body fleet: Aircraft with a single aisle in the cabin, typically seating between 100 and 240 passengers. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities: Specialized centers that perform maintenance, repairs, and overhauls on aircraft and aircraft components. GMR: Refers to GMR Infrastructure Limited, an Indian infrastructure company that operates MRO facilities. AIESL: Air India Engineering Services Limited, a subsidiary focused on aircraft engineering and maintenance. Air Works: A private Indian company specializing in aviation maintenance and engineering services. Low-cost flying experience: A model of air travel that offers lower fares by reducing services and amenities. Privatisation: The process of transferring ownership of a business, industry, or service from public (government) to private ownership.