Air India has reintroduced its first fully retrofitted narrow-body aircraft, VT-EXN, an A320neo, marking a significant milestone in the airline's ambitious transformation journey. This aircraft is the first of 27 legacy narrow-body jets inherited during the Tata Group's takeover to undergo a complete cabin retrofit, setting the standard for Air India's refreshed brand identity.
VT-EXN has been fitted with new seats, plush carpeting, refreshed curtains, upgraded cabin ambience and a three-class configuration. The aircraft also boasts Air India's new livery and branding, both inside and out. The retrofit forms part of the Tata Group's US$400 million programme aimed at modernising Air India's entire legacy narrow-body and wide-body fleet.
The revamped A320neo is designed to operate on domestic and short-haul international routes, alongside the 14 newly delivered A320neo aircraft. Together, these aircraft will provide a consistent, elevated passenger experience with modern amenities and a uniform three-class cabin layout.
The retrofitting of all 27 A320neos is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2025. The project will see the installation of over 3,500 brand-new economy-class seats, more than 600 premium-economy seats and 200 business-class seats. In total, the upgrade requires 450 metres of premium leather, 15,000 metres of high-quality fabric and 4,000 metres of plush carpeting.
Each retrofitted A320neo features eight luxurious business-class seats, 24 extra legroom premium-economy seats, and 132 comfortable economy seats. Passengers will benefit from a calming cabin ambience, enhanced legroom, wider seat pitch, portable electronic device holders and USB ports. New carpets, curtains, upholstery and redesigned cabin panels further reinforce Air India's refreshed brand identity.
This extensive retrofit programme will soon extend to the airline's wide-body fleet, with 40 Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft scheduled for similar upgrades. The first Boeing 787 is set to enter the retrofit process next month, continuing Air India's commitment to delivering a modern, comfortable and cohesive flying experience.
