Our Bureau
Mumbai
Air India has dispatched its first legacy Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to the United States for a major retrofit, launching the initial phase of its ambitious $400 million fleet upgrade designed to recover passenger trust and revive the carrier’s battered reputation. The milestone, delayed by ongoing supply chain issues, comes as the airline faces mounting criticism for persistent service failures and poor aircraft upkeep.
The widebody jet departed for a US overhaul facility at the end of July, months later than planned. The upgraded plane is now expected back in service by December— a revision from earlier October targets— as the airline scrambles to address mushrooming complaints from flyers about broken seats, malfunctioning entertainment, dirty cabins, and subpar meals. Management from Tata-owned Air India has faced intense scrutiny from both travelers and regulators, following a deadly crash in June involving another Dreamliner and a 79% spike in maintenance-related passenger grievances this year, according to recent surveys.
The Dreamliner revamp is central to Air India’s multi-year turnaround, which will see all 26 of its Boeing 787-8s—some more than a decade old—receive new business, premium, and economy seats, refreshed interiors, improved entertainment options, and upgraded amenities by mid-2027. Beginning next year, the airline aims to retrofit up to three Dreamliners simultaneously, accelerating the rollout after the first aircraft’s return.
These efforts are taking place amid reduced flight frequencies and a greater reliance on leased jets while the core fleet undergoes upgrades and safety checks triggered by the June accident. Narrow body Airbus A320neo jets are also in line for interior enhancements, while the overhaul of Boeing 777s is set to begin late next year.
