Air India has introduced its first retrofitted narrowbody aircraft back into operations.
The A320neo was sent for a retrofit last year, part of a $400 million retrofit programme announced by the Tata group to upgrade the airline's fleet of legacy narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
This aircraft has been fitted with a three-class cabin configuration, new seats, carpets and a new livery, with this being the first of 27 A320neos scheduled to be refurbished by the third quarter of 2025.
The retrofit schedule also includes a makeover of more legacy aircraft, including 40 widebody 787s and 777s, with the first 787 set to undergo refurbishment next month.
Last month Air India said it was forced to suspend two long-haul services, citing delays affiliated with this retrofit program. In a statement the Indian flag carried said: “Retrofit of legacy 777s, with new seats and entertainment systems, originally due to commence in 2025, will now commence in early 2026 due to production constraints at the selected seat supplier."
Air India plans induct up to three 787s per month until all 27 legacy aircraft have been upgraded.
This ongoing retrofit program coincides with new reports that the Indian carrier is exploring a “multi-billion-dollar” order for dozens of widebody jets from both Boeing and Airbus, according to Reuters on March 20, 2025.
The media outlet cited “industry sources” stating deliberations involve 30 to 40 aircraft split between the A350 and 777X models, with one source reportedly suggesting the potential deal could exceed 50 jets.
In December 2024, Air India placed an order with Airbus for an additional 100 jets, comprising of 10 A350s and 90 A320 family aircraft, taking the total number of aircraft that the airline has ordered with Airbus to 350.
In addition to orders placed with Airbus in 2023, Air India also placed orders for 220 widebody and narrowbody aircraft with Boeing, of which around 185 aircraft remain to be delivered.
Reuters also reported that details around this latest order should become clearer around the time of the Paris Air Show in June.