Air India Plans Major Fleet, Services Upgrade in 2026, Says CEO
Campbell Wilson, the Chief Executive of Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, announced that the airline is planning a significant upgrade of its fleet and services in 2026. The goal is to bring about a visible and significant transformation for the airline.
Wilson announced that the initial stage of enhancing the narrow-body cabins has finished, revealing that 81 percent of the narrow-body A320 family fleet has been renovated.
As a result, Air India now possesses 104 narrow-body planes that are either new or improved, which are used for flights within the country and to nearby international destinations.
Also Read: BMC Helix Appoints Sakaar Anand as Chief People Officer
He mentioned that the 17 aircraft that were planned for retirement are currently being refurbished because of delays in aircraft deliveries from Airbus and Boeing.
He mentioned that the cabin renovations for the remaining 17 aircraft will be finished by 2026.
Wilson also stated that the revamp of the wide-body aircraft will be the main driving force behind the change.
Air India anticipates the arrival of two upgraded Boeing 787-8 planes that will undergo a complete cabin transformation in Victorville, USA, by February 2026.
After that, Air India anticipates receiving two to three improved wide-body B787-8 airplanes each month. Currently, the airline plans to update approximately two-thirds of its 787 fleet by the end of 2026 and finish the entire upgrade by the middle of 2027.
Also Read: Duroflex Elevates Jacob George to Chairman & Managing Director
Wilson mentioned that the first new factory-built wide-body aircraft ordered in 2022, which is a Boeing 787-9, is scheduled to arrive before Christmas and start operating in January 2026. The airline's plan to introduce six wide-body aircraft in 2026, as well as multiple narrow-body aircraft, was initially reported by businessline.
He did mention that there are still supply-chain delays causing limitations in deliveries within the aviation sector.
Wilson mentioned that in addition to acquiring more aircraft, Air India projects that by the end of 2026, over 50 percent of its international flights will be carried out using modernized planes, as opposed to the current rate of just over 30 percent.
He stated that this year passengers will witness the new Air India both in the air and on the ground.
Wilson mentioned that in addition to the modernization of the cabin, the airline has started implementing improvements in their in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the food and beverage menu. He also mentioned that Air India is increasing the availability of premium economy seats on all routes.
Also Read: GDAI Sets Up Policy Secretariat Ahead of PROGA, 2025 Rollout
Wilson noted that the airline intends to open its inaugural premium international lounge at Delhi Airport in the upcoming month. Wilson also mentioned that they have plans for a new lounge in Terminal 3 of Delhi, as well as enhancements to their facilities in San Francisco and New York JFK. Wilson stated that despite this, the total capacity is expected to remain constant in 2026 as a result of aircraft being retrofitted and returned from lease.