Air India Plans Significant Upgrades to Boeing 787 Fleet by 2026

Air India, the national carrier of India, is set to implement substantial upgrades across its fleet by the end of 2026, according to statements made by Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson. During a recent press briefing at the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram, Wilson outlined the airline's ambitious plans to enhance its service and aircraft capabilities over the next few years.

Major Fleet Upgrades

Wilson announced that nearly two-thirds of Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet will undergo significant upgrades by the end of 2026. The first two upgraded aircraft are currently being retrofitted in California and are expected to return to service by February 2026. These renovations include complete interior overhauls, new in-flight entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Following this, the airline plans to refresh two to three aircraft each month, with the goal of ensuring all 26 legacy Boeing 787-8 aircraft are upgraded by mid-2027.

"2026 will be a year of very visible change for Air India," Wilson stated, highlighting the improvements that passengers can expect on international routes, particularly to destinations in Europe, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. The CEO noted that as the upgraded aircraft enter service, approximately 81% of international flights will be operated using these new planes by the end of 2026.

New Aircraft Inductions

In addition to the upgrades, Air India is also preparing to induct six new wide-body aircraft in 2026, comprising a mix of Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-1000 models. The first of these newly manufactured aircraft is anticipated to arrive shortly before Christmas and will enter operational service in January 2026.

As part of a broader strategy, Air India has placed firm orders for a total of 570 aircraft, with 524 still awaiting delivery in the coming years. Wilson explained that while the airline is acquiring new aircraft, it is also returning some leased planes and retiring others, maintaining a stable overall fleet size throughout 2026.

Enhancing Customer Experience

The planned upgrades extend beyond just the aircraft themselves. Wilson indicated that Air India is also focusing on improving its customer service offerings. A new food and beverage menu is set to be introduced, starting with international flights, while domestic offerings will be upgraded by January 2026. Furthermore, the airline is enhancing its lounge facilities, with a new Maharaja Lounge scheduled to open at Terminal 3 of Delhi International Airport in December, alongside additional upgrades at lounges in San Francisco and New York’s JFK Airport.

Addressing Challenges

The airline has faced various challenges, including supply chain issues that have delayed the retrofitting of some aircraft. Wilson acknowledged that about 83% of the narrow-body fleet has been upgraded, with 17 aircraft retained for service despite prior plans for retirement due to slower-than-expected deliveries from manufacturers.

In terms of travel demand, Wilson noted a recent decline in US-bound flights, attributing this to airspace restrictions and visa-related complications. However, he described this as a temporary situation, expressing confidence in a rebound.

Commitment to Safety and Support

Wilson also addressed the aftermath of the tragic plane crash involving Air India in June 2025, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives. He confirmed that 95% of the families affected have received interim compensation, reiterating the airline's commitment to providing ongoing support to those impacted by the incident.

With these initiatives, Air India is working diligently to transform its operations and enhance customer satisfaction. As the airline prepares for these significant changes, stakeholders and passengers alike are expected to witness a marked improvement in services and fleet capabilities over the next few years.