Air India is charting a dramatic course correction with a sweeping cabin overhaul, aiming to leave behind a history of outdated service and worn-out aircraft interiors. Under the ownership of Tata Group and guided by CEO Campbell Wilson, the airline is launching a full-scale transformation that spans everything from faster transit connections to revamped aircraft, all designed to win back the trust of passengers and position Air India as a world-class carrier.
A Revival Decades in the Making
For years, Air India struggled under government control, losing ground to cash-rich Middle Eastern rivals and nimble budget carriers like IndiGo. But the tide may be turning. Now privately owned and backed by Tata’s deep pockets and legacy, the airline is undergoing a multibillion-dollar makeover that includes a $400 million cabin refurbishment program, part of a wider $70 billion fleet modernization strategy.
The centrepiece of this transformation is the complete refurbishment of its 27 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, most of which have been in service since 2012–2016. These jets, once criticized for aging interiors, broken entertainment systems, and lackluster meals, will receive a full interior revamp by early 2027.
Inside the Dreamliner Makeover
The upgrades are comprehensive: new lie-flat business class seats, a refreshed premium economy section, and reconfigured economy seats with more legroom and improved recline. Larger HD inflight entertainment screens, high-speed onboard Wi-Fi, ambient lighting to ease jet lag, and modern Indian design themes promise a sleeker, more comfortable travel experience.
Touchless lavatories and improved cabin insulation addressing past noise complaints will enhance comfort on long-haul flights. These aircraft, once the source of viral traveller complaints, are now receiving early praise for their redesigned interiors and improved service.
Phase Two: Boeing 777s Next in Line
The second leg of the cabin upgrade will target the airline’s older Boeing 777 widebodies. However, this phase, set to begin late next year, is expected to progress more slowly due to global supply chain issues and delays in sourcing new seats.
Despite the challenges, Wilson is committed to pushing through. “Consistency makes an airline good,” he said. “We’re working on product quality, service, punctuality, and the airport experience across the board.”
Sharper Schedules and Smarter Layovers
The transformation isn’t just about shiny cabins. Air India is also focusing on reducing long layovers that deterred many international travellers in the past. One standout example: passengers flying between Australia and Europe now face a maximum three-hour layover in India down from a previous 10-hour wait. This improvement has already increased Air India’s share of transit passengers from near zero to a high single-digit percentage.
The airline is also collaborating with Indian authorities to streamline airport processes, including allowing international immigration formalities at domestic-only airports, smoothing transitions at key hubs in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Beyond the Aircraft: Crew and Brand Revamp
The cabin upgrades are just one part of a much wider effort. Air India is retraining its crew, updating service standards, and reimagining its iconic Maharaja mascot to connect better with today’s global traveller. New airport lounges and improved ground staff efficiency are being rolled out to deliver a consistent premium experience from check-in to arrival.
Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive, is steering the airline with a long-term vision. Still, he warns that challenges remain: “These things can’t be turned around overnight. Supply chain issues are real and may delay some aspects of the transformation.”
The Competitive Landscape: A Race Against Time
Air India’s resurgence comes amid fierce competition. IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, is making aggressive international moves, including orders for Airbus A350s and A321XLRs to expand long-haul capabilities. Meanwhile, newer players like Akasa Air are eyeing global routes, adding pressure on Air India to deliver swiftly and convincingly.
But Air India believes it’s on the right path. “We want our guests to see and feel the difference not just in how the aircraft looks, but in how it performs and serves,” a company spokesperson said.
With a heritage that dates back nearly a century and a bold new vision, Air India’s transformation is a high-stakes bet. If successful, it could re-establish the airline as a premium international player and make Indian airports a preferred stopover for long-haul travellers. The skies of 2025 may just bear witness to a very different Air India—refreshed, reimagined, and ready for takeoff.
