+
Air India going under mega transformation by March 2024
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Air India going under mega transformation by March 2024

Air India is undergoing a significant transformation, and according to their recent announcement, one-third of their wide-body fleet will be upgraded with modern, luxurious seats and advanced inflight entertainment systems by March 2024.

This year, the airline, which is now owned by the Tata Group, made substantial orders for aircraft, including 70 wide-body planes from Airbus and Boeing, totalling 470 aircraft.

Air India's CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, shared in his weekly message to the staff that with the addition of six new A350s, along with five leased B772LRs and nine other B773ERs, their wide-body fleet will have grown by 30 per cent within a year, by the end of this financial year.

By March 2024, around one-third of the entire wide-body fleet will boast modern seats and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems. The remaining aircraft will then undergo a comprehensive interior refit, amounting to a $400 million investment, to ensure a consistently high standard of service on every plane.

In the past, there have been complaints about malfunctioning seats and inflight entertainment systems, mainly on long and ultra-long haul routes to the US and Europe, where the airline operates these wide-body planes.

Excitingly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued the Letter of Type Acceptance for Air India's Rolls Royce-powered A350s, a positive step forward for the airline.

Currently, Air India possesses a fleet of 124 planes, of which 50 are wide-body aircraft. Among these, they have 15 B777-300s, 8 B777-200s, and 27 B787-800s, with the remainder being narrow-body planes.

Additionally, Air India has concluded its agreement with CFM International to order LEAP engines for their new fleet of 400 narrow-body planes. These engines will be utilised to power 210 Airbus A320/A321 neo and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, contributing to their modernisation efforts.

Air India is undergoing a significant transformation, and according to their recent announcement, one-third of their wide-body fleet will be upgraded with modern, luxurious seats and advanced inflight entertainment systems by March 2024.This year, the airline, which is now owned by the Tata Group, made substantial orders for aircraft, including 70 wide-body planes from Airbus and Boeing, totalling 470 aircraft.Air India's CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, shared in his weekly message to the staff that with the addition of six new A350s, along with five leased B772LRs and nine other B773ERs, their wide-body fleet will have grown by 30 per cent within a year, by the end of this financial year.By March 2024, around one-third of the entire wide-body fleet will boast modern seats and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems. The remaining aircraft will then undergo a comprehensive interior refit, amounting to a $400 million investment, to ensure a consistently high standard of service on every plane.In the past, there have been complaints about malfunctioning seats and inflight entertainment systems, mainly on long and ultra-long haul routes to the US and Europe, where the airline operates these wide-body planes.Excitingly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued the Letter of Type Acceptance for Air India's Rolls Royce-powered A350s, a positive step forward for the airline.Currently, Air India possesses a fleet of 124 planes, of which 50 are wide-body aircraft. Among these, they have 15 B777-300s, 8 B777-200s, and 27 B787-800s, with the remainder being narrow-body planes.Additionally, Air India has concluded its agreement with CFM International to order LEAP engines for their new fleet of 400 narrow-body planes. These engines will be utilised to power 210 Airbus A320/A321 neo and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, contributing to their modernisation efforts.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Budget Proposal Aims to Boost Investments

The recent budget proposal has introduced measures designed to promote investments and generate job opportunities across various industries, as reported by the Economic Times. This initiative seeks to stimulate economic activity and strengthen the country's growth trajectory by encouraging both domestic and foreign investments. Key aspects of the proposal include targeted incentives for sectors poised for expansion, such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology. The government aims to create a more favorable investment climate by offering tax benefits, subsidies, and streamlined reg..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Financial System Resilient Amidst Challenges

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao has emphasized the robust nature of the Indian financial system despite global economic headwinds, according to Economic Times. Rao?s comments reflect confidence in the stability and resilience of India's financial sector amidst a backdrop of international economic uncertainties and financial volatility. Rao highlighted that India?s financial system is well-equipped to handle external shocks due to its solid regulatory framework and prudent risk management practices. The country?s banking sector has demonstrated resilience throug..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

SC Allows State Tax on Mines, Minerals

Opposition leaders have welcomed the Supreme Court's recent decision permitting states to levy taxes on mines and mineral-bearing lands, as reported. The ruling is seen as a significant victory for state governments seeking greater control and revenue from natural resource extraction within their jurisdictions. The Supreme Court?s decision empowers states to impose taxes on mining operations and mineral-rich lands, which could enhance their revenue streams and enable better management of local resources. This move is particularly important for states with substantial mineral resources, as it a..

Talk to us?