Air India has marked a further waypoint in its ambitious transformation journey. The airline proudly welcomed its first retrofitted narrowbody aircraft back into service.
The aircraft was an Airbus A320neo, registered VT-EXN.
This marks the beginning of a fleet-wide upgrade, promising passengers a modern and consistent travel experience.
Air India Fleet Upgrade Program
VT-EXN, one of 27 inherited A320neos, underwent a comprehensive retrofit to meet the new Air India standards. This isn’t just a simple refresh; it’s a complete overhaul, encompassing new seats, carpets, curtains, and an enhanced cabin ambiance.
The aircraft now features a refined three-class cabin configuration, all wrapped in a fresh coat of paint and the airline’s new, striking livery.
This retrofit is a key part of the Tata group’s $400 million investment to modernize Air India’s entire fleet, including both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Sent for retrofitting last year, VT-EXN is the first tangible result of this significant investment.
Passengers flying on VT-EXN, and the remaining 26 retrofitted A320neos, can expect a significantly improved travel experience.
Domestic and International Short-Haul Operations
These aircraft, alongside the 14 recently delivered new A320neos, will operate on domestic and short-haul international routes. This ensures a uniform, upgraded experience for all passengers, regardless of their destination.
The scale of the retrofit is impressive. By the third quarter of 2025, when all 27 A320neos are scheduled for completion, Air India will have installed over 3,500 brand-new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats.
The attention to detail is evident in the materials used: 450 meters of premium leather, 15,000 meters of high-quality fabric, and 4,000 meters of plush carpeting contribute to the enhanced comfort.
A320neo Cabin Configuration
Each refitted Airbus A320neo boasts a refined cabin layout: eight luxurious Business Class seats, 24 extra legroom Premium Economy seats, and 132 comfortable Economy Class seats.
The retrofit also includes a soothing interior ambiance, increased legroom, and a wider seat pitch. Modern amenities, such as portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports, are integrated for passenger convenience.
New carpets, curtains, upholstery, and cabin panels, featuring fresh design motifs, reinforce the brand’s new visual identity.
Conclusion
The airline’s modernization program will now extends beyond the narrowbody aircraft fleet. Air India’s retrofit schedule also includes 40 widebody B787 and B777 aircraft.
The first B787 is scheduled to begin its retrofit next month, signaling the airline’s commitment to a comprehensive fleet-wide transformation.
This multi-faceted approach, with attention to both hard and soft products, demonstrates air India’s dedication to providing a world class travel experience.
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