Breaking News: Air India Unveils Refreshed Boeing 777-300 ER Aircraft
Air India has just welcomed the first of its revamped Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft after undergoing a thorough refresh process. The remaining 12 planes are set to receive the same treatment by the end of this year, as per officials.
What is a Heavy Refresh?
A heavy refresh for an aircraft involves getting new carpets, seat covers, cushions, and fixing any broken seats. This process aims to enhance the overall passenger experience and ensure the planes are in top condition.
Details of the Refreshed Aircraft
The heavy refresh of the B777-300 ER was carried out in Singapore and completed within a span of around 50 days. These refreshed aircraft will initially be used on domestic routes for a day or two before being deployed for ultra-long operations.
The Boeing 777s are primarily used for ultra-long-haul flights connecting cities like Toronto, Vancouver, San Francisco, Chicago, Newark, and New York. These ultra-long-haul flights typically last over 14 hours, making them crucial for Air India’s international operations.
Fleet Details
Currently, Air India has a total of 198 planes in its fleet, including 67 wide-body aircraft. The airline operates 13 legacy Boeing 777-300 ERs, some of which feature first-class cabins. In addition to the B777s, the fleet also includes B787s, A350-600s, and various narrow-body planes.
The first legacy B787 is scheduled for retrofitting in April, with the airline aiming to complete the upgrade of all legacy wide-body aircraft by mid-2027. This retrofit program, costing around USD 400 million, covers both narrow-body and wide-body planes to enhance passenger comfort and keep the fleet up to date.
Challenges in the Supply Chain
Despite the ambitious retrofit plans, Air India is facing challenges in the supply chain, with issues ranging from engine shortages for narrow-body aircraft to seat supplier problems. The global supply chain constraints are expected to persist for the next 4-5 years, affecting airlines worldwide.
Air India’s MD and CEO, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged the supply chain woes, stating that the airline, like many others, is grappling with the current circumstances. The industry-wide challenges are likely to impact operations for the foreseeable future.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by India Press Live staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
