Air India is making progress in its extensive fleet retrofit program, despite ongoing delays caused by seat supply issues.
During a June 2 media briefing, CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted that slow seat deliveries have been the primary obstacle in the retrofit efforts, with four out of five seat suppliers experiencing delays. One supplier withdrew from a contract unexpectedly, resulting in a two-year delay for a specific retrofit program. Other suppliers faced delays of approximately one year.
“Progress is being made, but I hesitate to give credit because it’s still extremely challenging,” Wilson stated.
The retrofit of the Boeing 787 fleet is set to commence shortly, with work beginning on the first aircraft in July and expected to be completed and certified by September or October. Afterward, the remaining 787s will be retrofitted at a pace of 2-3 aircraft per month, with the entire program expected to conclude in 2027.
Air India has initiated a “heavy refresh” of its 777 fleet to address delays in the full retrofit program. This includes replacing or repairing panels, carpets, and upholstery—though seats will not be updated at this stage. The complete retrofit, including new seats, is scheduled to start at the end of 2026 and continue through 2027.
The airline is also retrofitting its Airbus narrowbodies, with the first 27 aircraft scheduled for completion by September or October. An additional 13 older narrowbodies will be upgraded afterward.
The refurbishment of the Vistara fleet, including repainting and interior updates, is expected to take several more years. Since Vistara’s aircraft are generally younger, the rebranding will occur after the Air India fleet’s retrofit and repaint process is finished.
Air India expects to receive another 787 in a few months, followed by an A350 early in 2026. The next widebody deliveries are projected to begin in late 2026. The airline has over 500 aircraft remaining on order, including 75 widebodies.
While leasing aircraft has helped bridge the fleet gap, Wilson indicated that additional leasing is unlikely due to a tight lease market. The airline plans to extend existing leases where possible, but is also committed to returning five leased 777-200LRs, which will be converted into freighters for another operator.
