Air India’s first “refreshed” legacy ultra-long-haul B777 to join fleet by April

The Tata Group-backed Air India will soon be pressing its first “refreshed” wide-body B777 into service, sources told businessline.

The airline had initiated a “heavy refresh” programme for its fleet of legacy Boeing 777 aircraft last month to provide an upgraded ultra-long-haul flying experience for its passengers. Sources said that the programme will enhance the cabin experience of the airline’s 13 legacy Boeing 777s. However, Air India’s leased 11 Boeing 777s are not a part of this exercise.

Last year, businessline was the first to report that Air India was planning a phased “hard or heavy” refresh programme for its fleet of ageing, legacy B777 aircraft to ensure its passengers on the ultra-long-haul flights have an elevated experience in the cabin till the time these B777 aircraft undergo total makeover under the retrofit programme which has been delayed due to global supply chain issues. “The refreshed Boeing 777 is expected to join the fleet by next month. It is currently undergoing a makeover in Singapore,” sources told businessline.

“By the year-end all legacy 777s will receive a refresh. However, timelines are dependent on supply chains...Notably, the programme includes changes to seat covers, carpets, and curtains, in sync with Air India’s new branding aspects. Features such as armrests, fascia, and trim panels, as well as overhead bins, along with meal tables and stowage systems, will be also be refurbished. 

The refresh programme is expected to make a “significant” impact on the airline’s ultra-long-haul passenger experience, as the B777s serve Air India’s most high-profile international routes to North America and Canada.

Presently, Air India’s B777 aircraft operate on ultra-long-haul routes to cities in the US and Canada. The airline plans to expand its global network gradually, with more aircraft gradually strengthening its fleet.

With its newly refreshed cabins, Air India aims to position itself as a competitive player in the global aviation market, attracting both business and leisure travellers alike.