New Delhi — Air India is set to significantly expand and modernise its fleet, with plans to induct six wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing B787-9s, along with at least 20 narrow-body planes by the end of 2026. The move is part of the airline’s broader transformation strategy aimed at upgrading passenger experience across domestic and international routes.
The airline will also receive two retrofitted Boeing B787-8 aircraft by early 2026, while the refurbishment of its entire B787-8 fleet is scheduled to be completed by mid-2027. On the domestic front, Air India has already retrofitted 83 per cent of its narrow-body fleet, introducing a new livery and upgraded cabin interiors.
Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary, is progressing with the retrofit of 50 Boeing B737-8 aircraft, a process expected to conclude by mid-2026.
Speaking at a media roundtable, P Balaji, Senior Vice President for Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs at Air India, said the airline is on course for a major overhaul of its long-haul offerings. He noted that by the end of next year, nearly 60 per cent of Air India’s wide-body fleet will either be new or refurbished to international standards. Passengers can expect redesigned cabins, Wi-Fi connectivity, advanced in-flight entertainment systems and improved comfort across all travel classes, supported by upgraded lounges and a revamped food and beverage programme being rolled out globally.
With new aircraft joining the fleet every month from February onwards, travellers are likely to see a stronger presence of the ‘New Air India’ on international routes. The upgrades extend beyond exterior changes, with new seating, enhanced entertainment screens, onboard Wi-Fi and a refreshed culinary offering forming a core part of the transformation.
The airline is also expanding its Premium Economy segment, positioned between Business and Economy classes. Currently, Air India operates around 76,000 Premium Economy seats each week, a figure expected to rise as more refurbished aircraft enter service.
In terms of ground infrastructure, Air India has opened its international Maharaja Lounge at Delhi’s Terminal 3 and plans to inaugurate a new domestic lounge at the same terminal in the second half of 2026. Overseas, the airline is rebuilding its San Francisco lounge, scheduled for completion by February 2026, while a new lounge at New York’s JFK Airport is expected to open by March 2026.
Reflecting improved customer sentiment, the airline said its Net Promoter Score has seen a sharp turnaround. From a score of minus 19 in December 2023, it climbed to plus 37 by September 2025, based on feedback from nearly 200,000 passengers each month.
