Air India unveils first retrofitted B787

Air India has unveiled its first retrofitted Boeing 787-8, marking a key milestone in the airline’s ongoing fleet transformation program.

 

The aircraft, registered VT-ANT, is the first of 26 Boeing 787s to undergo a comprehensive “nose-to-tail” upgrade, featuring redesigned interiors and the airline’s new livery. The refurbishment was carried out at Boeing’s facility in California, followed by repainting at a specialist center in San Bernardino.

The upgrade introduces a new three-class configuration, replacing the previous two-class layout. The aircraft now includes business class suites with privacy doors, a dedicated premium economy cabin and a redesigned economy section, all equipped with updated seating and modern inflight entertainment systems.

The retrofit process for the first aircraft took 45 days and involved extensive work, including the installation of new seats, carpets, lighting and cabin systems. The result aligns the aircraft with Air India’s latest widebody standards already seen on its newer Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Across all cabins, passengers will benefit from upgraded seatback screens, improved comfort features and enhanced connectivity options. The business class cabin features fully flat beds, while premium economy and economy cabins offer improved ergonomics and additional personal space.

Air India said the retrofit program is part of a broader $400 million investment aimed at modernizing its long-haul fleet. The airline plans to complete upgrades across its remaining 787 aircraft by 2027, with additional refurbishments planned for its Boeing 777 fleet.

Once completed, the upgrades are expected to enhance the onboard experience across hundreds of weekly flights connecting India with key international destinations, including Europe, the UK and Australia.