Air India Accelerates Boeing 787 Retrofit Program with New Shanghai Facility

Air India has accelerated its Boeing 787 retrofit program by adding a new maintenance facility in Shanghai, China. The airline currently operates 26 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners and aims to modernize the entire fleet by the end of 2027.

The first aircraft, VT-ANZ, has been sent to the Shanghai facility for refurbishment, while future aircraft will continue to undergo upgrades in the United States. The retrofit program supports Air India's broader fleet transformation strategy and includes redesigned cabins, new seats, upgraded interiors, and a refreshed passenger experience.

Air India expects to have approximately 10-12 Boeing 787-8 aircraft upgraded by April 2027, thanks to operating multiple retrofit lines simultaneously. The airline is also taking advantage of its temporarily reduced international network operations to send more aircraft for upgrades without significantly affecting flight schedules.