Tata Group-owned Air India will overhaul the cabin interiors of more than a third of its fleet, starting with long-haul Boeing jets, spending $400 million.
The renovation will see the addition of “the latest generation seats and best-in-class in-flight entertainment,” the airline said in a press release. However, the company did not specify the source of funding.
The overhaul will also introduce a premium economy cabin on the B787-8 and B777. Air India never had a premium economy class, but offered first business and economy class. Vistara, which is set to merge with Air India, offers premium economy. Air India has engaged London-based product design firms JPA Design and TrendWorks to assist with cabin interior elements as part of this refurbishment programme. The two have created design work for Taj Hotels and Orient Express.
The complete renovation of the interior includes regulatory and engineering preparation, which began at the beginning of this year. This lengthy but necessary process and the time required to manufacture the seats is expected to lead to the first aircraft entering service in mid-2024, Air India added.
Earlier this week, Air India said it will lease six more Boeing 777-300ERs as part of its expansion plans. It had previously announced that it would lease 30 aircraft. FE
