Air India Unveils First Upgraded A320 as Part of $400-Million Fleet Modernization

Air India has completed the first full cabin retrofit of an older Airbus A320 (VT-EXN) as part of its $400-million upgrade plan. This initiative aims to modernize 67 legacy aircraft—27 narrow-body and 40 wide-body planes. The narrow-body refurbishments began in September 2024 and will finish by Q3 2025, while wide-body upgrades start in April, with completion expected by mid-2027.

The revamp addresses ageing cabins from the airline’s government ownership era. The updated VT-EXN features Air India’s new branding, redesigned interiors, and a three-class layout (business, premium economy, and economy). Enhanced passenger comforts include better legroom, modern seats, USB ports, and device holders. The upgraded fleet will operate on domestic and short-haul international routes alongside newly acquired A320neos. This transformation aligns with Air India’s goal of delivering a world-class flying experience. The engineering team is collaborating with global suppliers like Collins, Astronics, and Thales.

Air India Unveils First Upgraded A320 as Part of $400-Million Fleet Modernization

Air India has recently completed the first major upgrade of one of its older Airbus A320 planes, marking the beginning of a $400-million plan to modernize its fleet. The aircraft, registered as VT-EXN, was part of the airline’s fleet before the Tata Group’s takeover. It has now been fully refurbished to reflect Air India’s new brand identity and enhanced service standards. This marks a significant step in the airline’s efforts to improve its image and provide a better passenger experience.

The upgrade of VT-EXN is just the start of a larger project to modernize 67 older aircraft in Air India’s fleet. This includes 27 narrow-body planes (such as the A320) and 40 wide-body aircraft (including Boeing 787s and 777s). Work on the narrow-body jets began in September 2024 and is expected to be completed between July and September of this year. Meanwhile, the wide-body fleet’s transformation will begin in April, starting with a Boeing 787, followed by older Boeing 777s later in the year. The entire upgrade process is set for completion by mid-2027.

For many years, Air India faced challenges due to its aging aircraft and outdated cabin interiors. These issues were primarily the result of financial struggles during its time under government ownership. However, since the Tata Group’s acquisition in early 2022, the airline has been working diligently to reverse this trend. It has introduced new planes and placed large orders for future deliveries. However, upgrading the existing older aircraft remains a key priority to enhance customer experience and strengthen Air India’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.

The newly refurbished VT-EXN is a prime example of these efforts. The aircraft now features updated seats, new carpets, fresh curtains, and a redesigned cabin that showcases Air India’s latest branding. The narrow-body fleet, including this aircraft, will now have a three-class cabin layout, offering eight business class seats, 24 premium economy seats, and 132 economy seats. These upgraded planes will be deployed on both domestic and short-haul international routes. They will operate alongside 14 new A320neo planes, ensuring passengers enjoy a consistent and high-quality experience across the fleet.

The cabin upgrades focus on making the flying experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Passengers will benefit from improved legroom, wider seat pitch, and modern features such as device holders and USB charging ports. The interiors have also been refreshed with new carpets, upholstery, and decorative cabin panels. These enhancements are designed to create a more pleasant and modern atmosphere for travelers.

Air India’s engineering team is leading this upgrade project in collaboration with some of the world’s top aviation suppliers, including Collins, Astronics, and Thales. This partnership ensures that the refurbished planes meet the highest standards of quality and safety. By combining advanced technology with stylish design, Air India aims to provide passengers with a seamless and enjoyable journey.

In summary, Air India’s $400-million upgrade plan represents a major step forward for the airline. By modernizing its older aircraft, the airline is not only enhancing the passenger experience but also reinforcing its position in the highly competitive global aviation industry. The refurbished VT-EXN is just the first of many aircraft undergoing this transformation, marking a new era for Air India under the Tata Group’s leadership. With upgraded cabins, enhanced comfort, and a fresh brand identity, the airline is well on its way to reclaiming its reputation as a world-class carrier.