In December 2022, Air India had introduced $400 million plan to completely refurbish its legacy Boeing 777 and 787 plane with newest technology seats and new in-flight leisure system. Nevertheless the mission is now pushed again to subsequent yr.
“There are some points associated to certification,” stated a supply. The primary of the 40 plane (27 B787s and 13 B777s) was to endure cabin refurbishment in August with the remainder over the approaching months. Nevertheless now the precise refurbishment work on the Boeing widebody plane will begin subsequent yr, it’s learnt.
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On a constructive notice, reconfiguration of Air India’s slim physique Airbus A320 plane from a twin class to 3 class (enterprise, premium economic system and economic system) configuration will begin from later this yr. Vistara operates three class Airbus plane and thus it will cut back product complexity between the 2 airways which are set for a merger.
Air India has already inducted 4 new Airbus A350 plane. It additionally operates eleven leased Boeing 777 plane ( ex Delta and ex Etihad) with higher facilities on sure lengthy haul routes.
Nevertheless, the delay in introducing newer technology merchandise on its legacy plane is a setback. Air India inducted its first Boeing 777 plane in 2007 whereas the B787 entered in its service in 2012.
Over the previous couple of years the airline has expanded its lengthy haul community – Mumbai – Melbourne service being the newest addition to its routes. The Russia-Ukraine battle has restricted US airways growth to India.
Air India’s in-flight product in its legacy plane, nonetheless, stays inferior in comparison with its friends. Complaints of damaged seats and non useful in-flight leisure system are frequent. The airline’s engineering staff has labored with Tata Applied sciences to fabricate small elements, panels and assemblies. Repairs are being recurrently carried out however issues haven’t absolutely resolved.
Air India didn’t reply to e mail question. Boeing declined remark.
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“Plane cabins want upgrades resulting from obsolescence or put on and tear. A full cabin refurbishment is an elaborate train. It is like redoing cabin structure fully. Whereas an airline refurbishes cabins for larger passenger consolation, it’s crucial to make sure that the modifications don’t hinder security, gasoline effectivity and efficiency of the plane particularly its stability,” stated an aviation knowledgeable.
Sometimes approval course of in a refurbishment train is 2 fold. Merchandise like seats should be licensed (until pre- authorised) as they should stand up to excessive stress attributable to accidents. Then the set up and meeting too requires regulatory approvals.
The precise motive for certification delay in case of Air India plane is unclear.
Air India will probably be introducing premium economic system cabins on each these Boeing plane. The primary class cabin can even be retained on the 777s as part of the improve.
Air India has engaged main London-based product design firms, JPA Design and Trendworks, to help with the cabin inside design components of this refurbishment programme, it earlier stated.
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