Following its merger with Vistara, Air India is leveraging its expanded fleet to optimize routes and enhance passenger experience. As of November 12, all Vistara flights now operate under the Air India brand, with redeployed and retrofitted aircraft being rolled out on key international and domestic routes.
Fleet Upgrades and Deployment
Starting January 2025, all Delhi-Bangkok services will be operated on Air India’s newly retrofitted A320neo aircraft. These aircraft are part of an ongoing $400 million retrofit programme that began in September 2024, featuring upgraded interiors across Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. The route will also see the addition of a fourth daily service.
Former Vistara A321neo aircraft will now operate twice-daily Delhi-Singapore and Mumbai-Singapore routes. An additional Delhi-Singapore flight will utilize an ex-Vistara 787-9, which will also serve flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Frankfurt. The 787-9 aircraft feature fully flat beds in Business Class and consistently offer Premium Economy, enhancing passenger comfort.
Enhanced Connectivity and Scheduling
From February 2025, Air India will introduce updated flight schedules for routes to Frankfurt and Paris, offering both daytime and nighttime departures. Similar adjustments will be implemented for services to Sydney and Melbourne to provide improved two-way connectivity for travelers.
Transformational Fleet Retrofit Programme
Air India’s $400 million cabin refresh initiative will upgrade 67 aircraft, including 27 narrowbody and 40 widebody planes. Narrowbody retrofits are expected to conclude by mid-2025, after which widebody upgrades will commence.
The airline has already begun integrating newly retrofitted aircraft into its operations. In September 2024, Air India launched nonstop daily flights between New York JFK and Delhi using its revamped A350. CEO Campbell Wilson described the A350 as a “symbol of the ‘new Air India,’” which is undergoing a transformation through the Vihaan.AI five-year strategy.
Positive guest feedback on the new A350’s debut on the Delhi-London route highlights the success of Air India’s modernization efforts.
Related Topics:
