Air India has announced plans to retrofit 13 of its legacy Airbus A321 CEO (Current Engine Option) aircraft, extending their service life and enhancing passenger experience.
This decision marks a strategic shift from the airline’s earlier plan to phase out these aircraft, reflecting a more sustainable approach amid ongoing global supply chain challenges. The retrofit programme is part of Air India’s broader $400 million initiative to modernise its fleet, which includes 27 narrow-body A320neo aircraft and 40 wide-body Boeing 787 and 777 planes. The first retrofitted A320neo aircraft, VT-EXN, has already returned to service, featuring a refreshed cabin with new seats, carpets, curtains, and a three-class configuration. This upgrade aims to provide passengers with a more comfortable and modern flying experience.
The retrofitting process for the A321 CEO aircraft is expected to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. This timeline aligns with the airline’s goal to upgrade its entire narrow-body fleet by mid-2025. The upgrades will include new seats, cabin interiors, and enhanced amenities, ensuring a consistent and improved passenger experience across the fleet. In addition to the narrow-body fleet, Air India plans to begin retrofitting its wide-body Boeing 787 aircraft in early 2025, with the first aircraft expected to return to service by October 2025. The retrofit of the Boeing 777 fleet is scheduled to commence in early 2026, following production constraints at the selected seat supplier. Despite these challenges, the airline is taking the opportunity to refresh other elements of the B777 interiors during 2025.
The decision to retrofit the A321 CEO aircraft underscores Air India’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. By extending the life of these aircraft and upgrading their interiors, the airline aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new planes and to optimise the use of its existing fleet. As Air India continues its transformation under the ownership of the Tata Group, these fleet upgrades are expected to enhance the airline’s competitiveness in the global aviation market. The modernisation efforts are aligned with the airline’s broader strategy to improve customer experience, increase operational efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry.
While the retrofit programme is progressing, the airline acknowledges the ongoing challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions. However, Air India remains optimistic that these issues will be resolved in the coming years, enabling the completion of the fleet upgrades as planned. In conclusion, Air India’s decision to retrofit its 13 A321 CEO aircraft is a significant step towards modernising its fleet, enhancing passenger experience, and promoting sustainability in the aviation industry. These efforts reflect the airline’s commitment to providing high-quality services while addressing the environmental challenges facing the sector.
Also Read : Mumbai Airport’s New Payment Rule Worries Airlines
