Key Takeaways
- Two-thirds of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 fleet to be upgraded by end of 2026
- 81% of international services will use upgraded aircraft by 2026
- Six new wide-body aircraft and dozens of narrow-body planes to join fleet in 2026
- New premium lounges and upgraded beverage menus coming soon
Air India is set to transform its fleet significantly by 2026, with CEO Campbell Wilson announcing that nearly two-thirds of the airline’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft will be upgraded by the end of next year. The entire 26-aircraft 787-8 fleet will complete its modernization by 2027.
Fleet Upgrade Timeline
The first two legacy 787-8 aircraft are currently undergoing comprehensive upgrades in California, receiving completely new interiors and Wi-Fi connectivity. These will enter service by February 2026, followed by a rapid rollout of 2-3 aircraft upgrades per month.
“By the end of 2026, about two-thirds of the 787-8 fleet will be upgraded. All the 26 legacy 787-8 aircraft will be upgraded by the end of 2027,” Wilson stated during a briefing at the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram.
New Aircraft Deliveries
Air India has begun receiving wide-body aircraft purchased in 2022. The first specially manufactured 787-9 for Air India is expected just before Christmas and will enter service in January 2026. Throughout 2026, the airline will receive six new wide-body aircraft—a mix of 787-9s and A350-1000s—along with at least two dozen narrow-body aircraft.
Current Upgrade Status
The narrow-body fleet upgrade is nearly complete, with 83% already upgraded. The remaining 17 aircraft were originally planned for retirement but were retained due to slow deliveries from Airbus and Boeing.
“We will start the interior branding from this month. So, we are nearly at the end of the narrow body upgradation programme,” Wilson confirmed.
Route Improvements
Currently, 52% of international routes are operated by new aircraft, primarily serving London Heathrow, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, and Dubai. This will increase to 81% by end of 2026.
“Over the course of 2026 you will see more and more of those routes being operated by the new world class Air India aircraft,” Wilson added.
Future Deliveries and Conversions
Of the 570 firm aircraft orders placed, 524 are yet to be delivered, with significant volumes expected in 2027-2028. Additionally, 50 ‘White tail’ Air India Express aircraft are being converted from two-class to single-class configuration, with completion scheduled for 2026.
Premium Enhancements
Air India will introduce new beverage menus featuring aged single malts and boutique wines. The airline will also launch a world-class lounge at Delhi’s T3 international airport and a new domestic lounge by mid-2026.
Wilson noted that while US travel demand faced temporary challenges due to airspace restrictions, the phase is transitory. The comprehensive upgrades position Air India for significant service improvements across its global network.
