Air India, India’s leading flag carrier and most popular airline is set to further add value to the brand with another investment of over $400 million. The investment is said to be done to overhaul the existing old fleet.
More about the overhaul
Air India aims to invest over $400 million into its old fleet to enhance the aircrafts which would add further value to the company. Following its merger with Vistara and Singapore Airlines, the company has decided to take a step into further adding modifications to the company by creating more premium alternatives to aircrafts. Luxurious business class cabins will be refurbished, extra legroom seats to be fitted in premium economy and more comfortable seats to be added to economy class.
The refit would consist of a total of 67 legacy aircrafts which will be modified by adding premium interior, better in flight entertainment systems and add a more premium touch using different materials. The refit would consist of different aircrafts such as narrowbody Airbus A320neos and Boeing widebody 777s and 747s, while the VT-EXN Airbus A320neo comes back into service by the end of 2024 after receiving approvals . A total of 15,000 seats will be refitted across the whole program containing more additions such as extra USB-C ports, USB-A ports and enhancing PEDs (Personal Electronic Device). Furthermore, the company aims to upgrade the tone and textures of their aircrafts by completely changing the interior colours as well as the cabin crew’s uniform.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India had some words to share about the overhaul:
The commencement of interior refit of the narrowbody fleet is an important step in our journey of enhancing the flying experience of our customers. Over time, all the legacy widebody aircraft will also be refitted. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of Air India transforming into a world-class airline.
How is this beneficial for Air India?
The airline, known to be the traveller’s favourite, has recently faced criticism for the lack of features, poor service and comfort in flight, and one can believe that the airline’s recent investment in upgrading the quality of their services will only be reaped once passengers feel and experience the change. However, the airline seems to be headed in the right direction in terms of development, as the company has further ordered 400+ aircrafts from Boeing and Airbus to enhance fleet numbers. The merger between the Tata group owned airlines and Singapore airlines looks to be finaliB by the end of 2024, and the refitting of legacy aircrafts aims to be completed by mid 2025. Passengers can only hope that this is a right step for such a beloved and renowned airline.
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