1 dzień temu
NEW DELHI– Air India (AI) has announced significant changes to its fleet modernisation strategy, deciding to retrofit 13 legacy Airbus A321 aircraft that the carrier had previously planned to retire.
The decision marks a strategic shift for India’s national carrier as it navigates ongoing global supply chain challenges affecting the aviation industry.
Photo: Air IndiaAir India Retrofit A321
The airline originally intended to phase out these 13 A321 ceo aircraft as part of its fleet renewal program.
However, persistent supply chain disruptions have forced Air India (AI) to extend the operational life of these older aircraft through comprehensive retrofitting.
The carrier will upgrade these narrow-body planes in the early part of next year, ensuring they meet current service standards.
Photo: By Simon Boddy, CC BY-SA 2.0 | Wikimedia CommonsBoeing 787-8 Retrofit
Air India (AI) will begin retrofitting its first legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft in July 2024, though the program has experienced delays due to certification issues with new seating configurations.
The airline operates 27 legacy B787-8 aircraft that require modernisation under the comprehensive fleet upgrade initiative.
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, confirmed that certification delays for seats have pushed back the initial timeline for the wide-body retrofit program. The first batch of Boeing 787s will undergo extensive interior upgrades starting in July.
Wide-Body Upgrades Timeline
The carrier has established an aggressive schedule for completing its wide-body fleet modernisation. Air India (AI) expects to upgrade approximately 68 per cent of its wide-body aircraft by the end of the current financial year.
The airline aims to complete the entire wide-body fleet upgrade program by calendar year 2027.
Wilson emphasised that the company remains committed to achieving these milestones despite industry-wide challenges affecting aircraft modification timelines.
Photo: Cado HandersonBoeing 777 Refresh
Air India (AI) has already commenced its heavy refresh program for legacy Boeing 777 aircraft, with two jets successfully returning to service following comprehensive upgrades.
The heavy refresh program includes installation of new carpets, seat covers, and cushions, along with repairs to damaged seating components.
The airline expects to complete the Boeing 777 refresh program by the end of 2024, demonstrating tangible progress in its fleet modernisation efforts.
Narrow-Body Upgrades
The carrier has made substantial progress with its narrow-body fleet upgrades, completing modifications on approximately 65-68 per cent of these aircraft.
Air India (AI) plans to finish upgrading all narrow-body aircraft by the end of 2024, including the 13 A321 ceo aircraft that will receive extended service life.
Wilson confirmed that the narrow-body fleet upgradation will effectively reach completion this year, representing a significant milestone in the airline’s transformation program.
Photo: Clément AlloingCurrent Fleet
Air India currently operates 191 aircraft across its network, comprising 64 wide-body and 127 narrow-body aircraft.
The wide-body fleet includes six A350s, 19 777-300 ERs, five 777-200 LRs, seven 787-9s, and 27 787-8s.
The narrow-body fleet consists of six A319s, 94 A320neos, four A320ceos, 13 A321ceos, and ten A321neos.
Supply Chain Challenges
Wilson acknowledged that global supply chain constraints continue affecting the aviation industry, though conditions show gradual improvement.
The Air India executive projects that supply chain normalcy will not return until 2029 or 2030. This will require airlines to adapt their fleet strategies accordingly.
Engine supply challenges particularly impact narrow-body aircraft operations, while Boeing’s 737 program continues recovering to previous production levels. Wilson noted that different aircraft types face distinct bottlenecks, requiring tailored solutions for each platform.
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
Air India to Order 200 New Airbus and Boeing Narrow-Body Planes
The post Air India to Retrofit 13 Old Airbus A321 Aircraft and More appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
