Air India’s $400M B787 Upgrade to Bring New Cabins, Seats, and Wi-Fi

Air India, one of the country’s most iconic and fast-evolving airlines under the Tata Group, has officially kickstarted a bold new chapter in its transformation story.

After years of criticism over dated cabin interiors, lack of modern amenities like onboard Wi-Fi, and inconsistent in-flight service, the airline is answering with action—not promises.

In a major move to uplift its global image and passenger experience, Air India has rolled out its much-anticipated refurbishment program for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, marking a fresh makeover of its long-haul services.

Air India has officially launched its $400 million cabin retrofit program for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft—an ambitious step in the airline’s broader $400 million fleet modernization initiative.

The refurbishment, a key pillar in Tata Group’s strategic overhaul of the carrier, aims to bring the airline in line with world-class standards and revamp its reputation on international routes.

The first Dreamliner, registered VT-ANT, entered the hangar in late July and is expected to return to service with fully upgraded interiors by October 2025. This aircraft will be the first of many to showcase Air India’s all-new in-flight product across all three cabins: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.

What’s New?

• Business Class: The redesigned Business Class will feature lie-flat beds in a modern 1-2-1 layout, offering direct aisle access for every passenger—a first for Air India’s Dreamliners.
• Premium Economy: A refreshed Premium Economy experience with enhanced comfort, updated materials, and better ergonomics.
• Economy Class: Newly designed economy seating for improved comfort, with upgraded fabrics and cushioning.
• Cabin-wide Enhancements: All three classes will benefit from improved lighting, refurbished lavatories, and modernized high-definition in-flight entertainment screens.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: For the first time, the entire Dreamliner fleet will be equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, meeting a long-standing demand from passengers.

Refurbishment Rollout Timeline

Air India aims to refurbish up to three wide-body aircraft per month, with full completion across its 40 wide-body aircraft expected by mid-2027. While supply chain challenges—especially related to premium seating and enhanced safety inspections following the AI171 incident—have introduced minor delays, the airline remains committed to delivering its updated fleet on schedule.

To manage the transition smoothly, Air India will rely on leased aircraft and optimized flight schedules to ensure minimal disruption for travelers.

Broader Fleet Strategy

This Dreamliner makeover forms part of a larger strategy that includes Air India’s record-breaking 500-aircraft order and aggressive global expansion. By modernizing its long-haul fleet, Air India aims to close the quality gap with international carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines—particularly in cabin comfort, technology, and passenger service.

Domestic Fleet Upgrades Already Underway

Air India’s narrow-body aircraft are also being refreshed. According to a recent update shared on Twitter, has become one of the first aircraft retrofitted with the brand-new 3-class cabin configuration at GMR’s MRO facility in Hyderabad. So far, 28 A320neo aircraft have received the new interiors, showing tangible progress on the domestic front as well.

Conclusion:

With this Dreamliner refurbishment program, Air India is not just changing the look of its aircraft—it is reshaping its brand, rebuilding customer trust, and positioning itself as a formidable force in international aviation. The skies ahead look promising as India’s flag carrier begins its bold ascent into a new era of excellence and innovation.

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