Air India Gets First Boeing 777 with fresh Retrofitted Interiors, 12 More to Go

DELHI- Tata Group-owned FSC Air India (AI) received the first Boeing 777 aircraft retrofitted with new interiors on April 2, 2025.

Air India is spending over $400 Million on retrofitting 67 legacy planes which includes both single-aisle and wide-body jets.

Photo: JetPhotos Spotter

Air India Retrofits First 777

The first aircraft to undergo this million-dollar retrofit program is Boeing 777-300ER registered as VT-ALK. It is a 17.5-year-old aircraft and it joined Air India’s fleet in 2007. Further, it is powered by one of the most powerful engines in the world, GE90.

The retrofit is performed by SIA Engineering Company, a Singapore Airlines (SQ) Group subsidiary.

According to FlightRadar24 data, Air India Boeing 777, VT-ALK took off from Singapore Changi (SIN) at 5:40 UTC.

After being airborne for over five hours and 28 minutes, the flight landed at Delhi International Airport (DEL) at 10:47 UTC, at around 4:17 PM Indian Standard Time.

Photo: FlightRadar24

The SIA took almost two months to complete the retrofit which began in early February 2025.

There are a total of 13 Boeing 777 legacy aircraft that will undergo this retrofit program. All remaining 12 will be retrofitted by the end of 2025. However, Air India has excluded the leased 777s.

Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)

AI 777 Configuration

The Boeing 777-300ER stands as a true titan of long-distance travel, offering spacious comfort for intercontinental journeys. This wide-body aircraft delivers extended range, fuel efficiency, and reliability, setting new standards for smooth global travel experiences.

Air India operates the 777-300ER with three distinct cabin layouts and VT-ALK has the following layout:

First Class Features

• Privacy Flat Bed Seating
• Do Not Disturb Light & Reading Light
• Personal Cabinet, Cubby stowage & Shoe Storage
• Connectivity: Power Outlets, USB ports, Seat Back Entertainment
• Seat Dimensions: 80″ pitch, 23″ width, Full Flat Bed recline
• Movable armrests

Business Class Features

• 2-3-2 configuration with 35 total seats (8A-14K)
• 76″ seat pitch with Full Flat Bed recline
• 19.95″ seat width with movable armrests
• 15.4″ entertainment screens
• Power outlets and high-power USB-A ports
• Exit rows at 12A, 12K
• Fixed bassinet location at 12K

Economy Class Features

• 3-3-3 configuration with 303 total seats (17A-53F)
• 33″/32″/24″ seat pitch variations
• 18″ seat width with 6″ recline
• 10.6″ entertainment screens
• Power outlets and high-power USB-A ports
• Exit rows at 27A, 27K, 41A, 41K, 52A, 52K
• Fixed bassinet locations at 17F, 42D, 42F

Aircraft Performance

• Cruise Speed: 896.40 km/hr
• Propulsion: General Electric GE90-110B1L
• Wingspan: 60.9 meters

Photo: Air India

First Retrofitted A320neo

The Airbus A320neo, registered as VT-EXN, marks the initial completion in the carrier’s comprehensive retrofit program covering 27 narrowbody aircraft that were part of the fleet inherited during the Tata Group acquisition.

The aircraft underwent extensive modifications including:

• Installation of new seats
• Replacement of carpets and curtains
• Enhanced cabin ambience
• Complete exterior repaint featuring Air India’s new livery and branding

These retrofitted A320neos will operate alongside 14 newly delivered A320neos on domestic and short-haul international routes, ensuring passengers experience consistency across the fleet. The entire narrowbody retrofit program is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2025.

Retrofit Scale and Specifications

The comprehensive retrofit program involves installing:

• Over 3,500 new Economy Class seats
• More than 600 Premium Economy seats
• 200 Business Class seats across the 27 aircraft

The refurbishment requires:

• 450 meters of premium leather
• 15,000 meters of high-quality fabric
• 4,000 meters of plush carpeting

New Cabin Configuration

Each retrofitted A320neo features a three-class configuration:

• 8 Business Class seats
• 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom
• 132 Economy seats

The modernized aircraft also include additional amenities such as portable electronic device holders, USB ports, spacious legroom, and wider seat pitch.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News

The post Air India Gets First Boeing 777 with New Retrofitted Interiors, 12 More to Go appeared first on Aviation A2Z.