Tata group will invest over $400 million in Air India for refurbishing the entire legacy wide-body fleet of the airline, covering 27 Boeing B787-8 and 13 B777 aircraft.

According to the Indian conglomerate, the refurbishment will involve a total overhaul of existing cabin interiors. This includes introducing the latest generation seats and best in-class inflight entertainment in all classes.

Besides, the refurbishment will call for the introduction of a premium economy cabin on the Air India Boeing B787-8 and B777 fleet. Air India will also retain the first class cabin on the B777s.

To help with the cabin interior design elements of the aircraft refurbishment project, Air India has roped in London-based product design firms — Trendworks and JPA Design.

Tata group said that the entire interior refurbishment of the airline involves considerable regulatory and engineering preparation, which began earlier this year. The regulatory process and the time needed for manufacturing seats are expected to result in the first refurbished aircraft commencing service in mid-2024.

Campbell Wilson — Air India MD and CEO said: “Under our Vihaan.AI transformation program, Air India has committed to attain the highest standards of product and service befitting of a world class airline. We know that, at present, the cabin product on our 40 legacy widebody aircraft falls short of this standard.

Although the project commenced some months ago, we are delighted to now publicly announce this significant investment on a complete interior refit, and we are confident that, when revealed, the new interiors will delight customers and show Air India in a new light.

“We are working closely with partners to accelerate the refit process as fast as possible and, in the meantime, leasing in at least 11 new widebody aircraft with brand new interiors to improve our offering at the earliest opportunity.”

In late 2021, Tata group acquired Air India from the Indian government for around $2.2 billion.

  Air India, Campbell Wilson, India, Tata Group