Air India is upgrading 26 aircrafts for $400 million after Ahmedabad crash

In a significant move aimed at rebuilding customer trust and enhancing operational performance following the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash, the airline has announced a comprehensive retrofit program for its Boeing 787-8 fleet. This major upgrade, costing an estimated $400 million, will cover 26 legacy aircraft, focusing on upgrading avionics, replacing critical components, and introducing brand-new interiors to elevate the customer experience to international standards. The initiative is seen as a direct response to the safety concerns raised by the recent accident and a long-term commitment to fleet modernization.

The retrofit program has already commenced with the first of the 26 aircraft, designated VT-ANT, having been flown to a Boeing facility in Victorville, California, in July 2025. A second aircraft is scheduled to depart for the same facility in October 2025, with both planes expected to be back in service by December 2025. Furthermore, reports indicate that seven of the 26 Boeing 787-8s will also undergo heavy, scheduled maintenance (D-checks) to ensure the fleet's long-term operational excellence and reliability.

The investment of $400 million is not just for cosmetic changes but also for a substantial technical overhaul. The upgrade will include the enhancement of avionics and other critical components to the latest industry standards, which is intended to reduce operational disruptions for both the airline and its customers. This reliability enhancement program will involve a detailed analysis of maintenance and configuration records, followed by implementing modifications based on Boeing's service information bulletins.

For passengers, the most noticeable change will be the completely redesigned interiors. The new cabins will feature a three-class configuration, including Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class seating. Every cabin will receive brand-new seats, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, new carpeting, curtains, and upgraded upholstery and lavatories. The airline expects this extensive interior upgrade program to be fully completed by mid-2027.

Beyond the Boeing 787 fleet, Air India has also announced plans to retrofit 13 of its legacy Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This part of the program is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and is projected to be completed by October 2028. This long-term, multi-fleet upgrade strategy underscores Air India's commitment to modernizing its entire widebody fleet and improving its service offering.