Air India unveils first retrofitted 787 with new cabins and livery
Refreshed Economy Class cabin on Air India’s 787-8
Air India has unveiled its first retrofitted 787-8 aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s ongoing fleet transformation program.
The aircraft is the first of 26 787 aircraft to undergo a full nose-to-tail cabin refurbishment, completed at Boeing’s Modification Center in Victorville, California.
The retrofit introduces a new three-class cabin configuration, replacing the previous two-class layout with upgraded Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins.
In Business Class, the aircraft features 20 private suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each equipped with sliding doors, direct aisle access and a fully flat 79-inch bed. The suites also include 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen displays, multiple charging options and design elements inspired by Indian heritage.
The Premium Economy cabin includes 25 seats in a 2-3-2 layout, offering 38-inch pitch, enhanced recline and 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR screens. In Economy Class, 205 seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, featuring ergonomic design, 11.6-inch screens and USB charging options.
All cabins are equipped with Thales’ AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, alongside refreshed interiors including new carpets, wall laminates, updated galleys and refurbished lavatories.
The retrofit required more than 12,800 manhours over 45 days, with extensive upgrades including new seating, cabin materials and a complete repaint into Air India’s updated livery.
Air India’s retrofitted 787-8 Economy Class cabin features new seats with enhanced comfort and upgraded inflight entertainment
“This is yet another proud milestone in our transformation journey,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Air India, in a statement released on April 19.
Air India plans to retrofit 25 additional 787 aircraft over the next year, as part of a US$400 million investment to modernize its legacy widebody fleet.
The airline says the program will significantly enhance the passenger experience across more than 300 weekly flights to destinations in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia once completed by 2027.
