Air India's plan to revamp its passenger experience with a major upgrade of its Boeing B777 and B787 fleet has hit a snag. The ambitious project, which was set to begin in August 2023 with the first of 40 aircraft undergoing cabin refurbishment, has been side-lined due to certification issues.
By Aditya M
Originally, the plan involved outfitting all 40 Boeing widebody aircraft (27 B787s and 13 B777s) with new cabin interiors over a period of several months. This would have undoubtedly offered passengers a more modern and comfortable flying experience on Air India.
Sources close to the matter cite certification hitches as the reason for the delay. The refurbishment project aimed to completely overhaul the interiors of the aircraft, likely including new seating, improved in-flight entertainment systems, and potentially even cabin layout changes.
Unfortunately, unspecified certification roadblocks have pushed the refurbishment schedule back significantly. According to sources, the actual work on upgrading the cabins won't even begin until sometime in 2024.
While Air India hasn't officially commented on the reason for the delay, certification processes for aviation modifications can be complex and involve rigorous safety checks by regulatory bodies.
This delay is sure to cause disappointment for passengers who were looking forward to the upgraded cabins. Air India has yet to announce a revised timeline for the project.
Looking Ahead
While the delay is a setback, Air India's commitment to upgrading its fleet remains positive. Once the certification hurdles are cleared, we can expect to see a phased rollout of the refurbished aircraft, offering passengers a more comfortable and modern travel experience on Air India's Boeing widebody fleet.
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