Air India and Tata Technologies launch $400m cabin overhaul to elevate customer experience

In a bold move to revive Air India’s global reputation, Tata Group has embarked on a $400 million project to modernise the aircraft interiors across 67 planes in Air India’s legacy fleet. Tata Technologies, known for its engineering prowess, is taking the lead in executing this ambitious makeover. This major revamp of Air India’s Airbus and Boeing models marks a cornerstone in Air India’s multi-year “Vihaan.AI” transformation plan, which aims to return the carrier to top-tier status in global aviation.

Tata Technologies’ role in the aircraft interior overhaul

Tasked with reimagining passenger comfort, Tata Technologies has been instrumental in modernising key interior components. The company is utilising advanced 3D design to manufacture previously obsolete seat components, crucial for expediting repair and modernisation processes amid global supply chain bottlenecks. These engineering advancements ensure the prompt refurbishment of the narrowbody Airbus A320neo fleet and set the stage for a broader transformation of Air India’s Boeing 787s and 777s.

According to Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, this cabin upgrade project will introduce next-generation seating, improved inflight entertainment options, and added passenger conveniences, including device holders and USB charging ports. This reconfiguration reflects a strategic intent to align Air India’s offerings with international standards, particularly for business and premium economy passengers.

Extensive upgrades across Air India’s fleet

The refurbishment plan, encompassing over 15,000 seats in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, will cover legacy aircraft with a modern, three-class cabin layout. The transformation of narrowbody aircraft will see an initial fleet of A320neos return to service with refreshed interiors by December 2024, with the entire narrowbody segment scheduled for completion by mid-2025. Post this phase, Tata will turn its focus to widebody retrofits, which are expected to begin in early 2025, depending on supply chain readiness.

Air India aims to overhaul around three to four planes monthly, signalling Tata’s intent to rapidly improve passenger experience across its fleet. This aggressive upgrade schedule positions the airline to compete with leading carriers while addressing long-standing customer grievances about outdated cabin designs and malfunctioning inflight entertainment systems.

Expert insights and Tata Group stock impact

Industry analysts view this refurbishment as a positive milestone for the Tata Group, which has experienced mixed stock performance recently. Tata Motors, for instance, has seen an approximate 77% growth over the past decade, with a current share price near ₹928.50. Meanwhile, Tata Power has benefitted from strategic investments in renewable energy, recently attracting a buy rating with a 22% growth forecast. Analysts expect Tata Technologies’ role in the Air India revamp to reinforce Tata’s brand perception, which has been central to the group’s stock value surge since the 2022 acquisition.

Expert perspectives on Air India’s transformation journey

Aviation expert perspectives suggest that this overhaul could mark a turning point for Air India, particularly as it battles its reputation for aged fleets and inconsistent service. Analysts highlight that Tata’s Vihaan.AI strategy will not only enhance passenger satisfaction but also bolster Air India’s competitiveness against international giants by 2025. They further underscore the partnership with Tata Technologies as emblematic of Tata Group’s integrated approach, leveraging in-house expertise to drive operational excellence and sustain the momentum needed for such an extensive fleet upgrade.