Air India has taken delivery of its first revamped Boeing 777-300 ER, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing fleet enhancement. The airline plans to complete the refurbishment of its remaining 12 legacy B777 aircraft by the end of the year, according to officials.
Why Air India Opted for a “Heavy Refresh” of Legacy B777s
Initially, the airline had planned a full refit of these aircraft last year. However, supply chain disruptions led to delays, prompting Air India to opt for a heavy refresh instead. This process includes:
- Installing new carpets
- Replacing seat covers and cushions
- Fixing damaged seats
Fleet Overview & Refurbishment Timeline
Air India operates a total of 40 legacy wide-body aircraft, comprising 13 Boeing 777s and 27 Boeing 787s. The first refreshed B777-300 ER underwent the upgrade in Singapore, with the process completed in approximately 50 days. Officials anticipate that all legacy B777-300 ER aircraft will be refreshed before the end of 2024.
Deployment of the Upgraded Boeing 777s
Following the refurbishment, the newly refreshed aircraft will initially serve domestic routes for a short period before being deployed on ultra-long-haul international flights. These flights, lasting over 14 hours, connect major destinations such as:
- Toronto & Vancouver (Canada)
- San Francisco, Chicago, Newark & New York (USA)
Expanding Air India’s Long-Haul Fleet
Currently, Air India operates 67 wide-body aircraft, including:
- 19 Boeing 777-300 ERs (6 of which are leased from Etihad Airways)
With the completion of this major refresh program, Air India aims to enhance passenger comfort and maintain its competitive edge in long-haul international travel.
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