Air India Outlines Ambitious Fleet Overhaul and Expansion Timelines Through 2028

Air India is undertaking a significant fleet modernization effort, with CEO Campbell Wilson detailing the timeline for major refurbishments. The airline aims to complete the complete refurbishment of its entire Boeing 787-8 fleet by the middle of 2027. Following this, the retrofitting of all Boeing 777 aircraft is scheduled to be finished by early 2028. Complementing these upgrades, Air India expects the delivery of its first new Boeing 787 Dreamliner between December and January. The airline plans a substantial ramp-up of its wide-body fleet, including Dreamliners and Airbus A350 planes, starting in 2026. Wilson stated that Air India anticipates taking delivery of a new wide-body aircraft roughly every six weeks over the next two years. This fleet expansion is a key component of the airline's ambitious five-year transformation plan. The airline has also recently completed the retrofit of all 27 of its legacy A320neo aircraft. At least two A350-1000 aircraft are expected to be delivered in the upcoming financial year.

Impact This aggressive fleet modernization and expansion signals Air India's commitment to enhancing its operational capacity, improving passenger experience, and strengthening its competitive position. Investors can view this as a positive development, indicating progress in the airline's turnaround strategy and potential for future growth and profitability. The increased capacity and modernized fleet are expected to support higher passenger loads and potentially better revenue generation. Rating: 7/10.

Heading Difficult Terms: Refurbishment/Retrofit: The process of upgrading an aircraft with new parts, interiors, or technology to improve its performance, efficiency, or passenger comfort. Legacy Aircraft: Older models of aircraft still in operation within an airline's fleet. Wide-body Aircraft: A jet airliner with a fuselage diameter large enough to accommodate two passenger aisles, offering more space and capacity. Examples include the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A350. Fleet: The total number of aircraft owned and operated by an airline. Transformation Plan: A comprehensive strategy designed to fundamentally change a company's business operations, structure, and market position.