Air India Unveils First Retrofitted Boeing 777, 12 More Coming
Air India Launches Major Retrofit Program with First Boeing 777 Overhaul
On April 2, 2025, Air India unveiled its first Boeing 777 aircraft retrofitted with luxurious new interiors, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s modernization efforts. This initiative is part of a larger retrofit program that aims to revamp 67 legacy aircraft within its fleet, both single-aisle and wide-body jets, with an investment exceeding $400 million.
The retrofitting of the Boeing 777-300ER, registered as VT-ALK, represents a critical step in Air India’s journey to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Air India Retrofits First Boeing 777
The newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER is 17.5 years old, having joined Air India’s fleet in 2007, and it features one of the most powerful engines worldwide, the GE90. The retrofit was executed by SIA Engineering Company, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, taking nearly two months to complete, starting from early February 2025.
Flight Details and Arrival
According to FlightRadar24 data, the refurbished aircraft took off from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) at 5:40 UTC, landing at Delhi International Airport (DEL) at 10:47 UTC, approximately 4:17 PM Indian Standard Time.
Photo courtesy of JetPhotos
Upcoming Retrofits for Boeing 777 Fleet
Air India plans to retrofit a total of 13 Boeing 777 legacy aircraft, with the remaining 12 expected to complete the process by the end of 2025. Notably, this program excludes any leased 777s.
AI 777 Aircraft Configuration
The Boeing 777-300ER is renowned for its spacious and comfortable design, making it ideal for long-distance travel. Air India operates the aircraft with three distinct cabin layouts to enhance passenger comfort:
First Class Features:
- Privacy flat bed seating
- Do Not Disturb light and reading light
- Personal storage options
- Connectivity with power outlets and USB ports
- 80-inch pitch and 23-inch width for seating
Business Class Features:
- 35 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration
- 76-inch seat pitch with full flat bed recline
- 19.95-inch seat width with movable armrests
- 15.4-inch entertainment screens
Economy Class Features:
- 303 seats in a 3-3-3 configuration
- Seat pitch variations of 33"/32"/24"
- 18-inch seat width with a 6-inch recline
- 10.6-inch entertainment screens
Aircraft Performance:
- Cruise Speed: 896.40 km/hr
- Propulsion: General Electric GE90-110B1L
- Wingspan: 60.9 meters
First Retrofitted Airbus A320neo
In addition to the Boeing 777, Air India has also completed the retrofitting of its first Airbus A320neo, registered as VT-EXN. This aircraft is part of a broader initiative that aims to modernize 27 narrowbody aircraft acquired during the Tata Group’s takeover of Air India.
Key Enhancements:
- Installation of new seats and carpets
- Upgraded cabin ambiance and complete exterior repaint
- Aimed at achieving consistent passenger experiences across the fleet
The retrofit program will see over 3,500 new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats installed across the fleet by the third quarter of 2025.
Conclusion
Air India’s extensive retrofit initiatives signify the airline’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and service quality. With modernized aircraft like the Boeing 777 and A320neo, Air India is poised to compete more effectively in the international aviation market.
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For further reading, visit Air India Official or FlightRadar24.
