Air India has launched its first retrofitted Boeing 787-8, marking the start of a wider cabin upgrade programme covering 26 aircraft.
The retrofit, completed at Boeing’s modification facility in Victorville, California, involved a full cabin reconfiguration from a two-class to a three-class layout, along with the installation of new seating, in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, and updated cabin interiors. The aircraft was subsequently repainted in the airline’s new livery in San Bernardino.
The upgraded configuration includes Business Class suites in a 1-2-1 layout, Premium Economy seating in a 2-3-2 layout, and Economy seating in a 3-3-3 layout. The aircraft is equipped with new seats across all cabins, including Business Class suites and RECARO Aircraft Seating seats in Premium Economy and Economy.
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The IFE system installed is Thales Group’s AVANT Up platform, featuring 4K displays across all classes. Additional upgrades include new carpets, curtains, wall panels, refurbished galleys and lavatories, updated overhead bin panels, and a new cabin service system.
The retrofit required approximately 12,800 manhours over 45 days for cabin work, along with additional time for exterior repainting.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said: “The retrofit of our first widebody aircraft is a visible symbol of the momentum behind Air India’s transformation. With 25 other 787s undergoing this comprehensive refresh, we are modernising the backbone of our long-haul fleet.”
Air India plans to complete retrofits of the remaining 25 Boeing 787 aircraft by 2027, followed by upgrades to its Boeing 777-300ER fleet, as part of a broader fleet modernisation programme.
