Three‑class cabins now on 104 A320 Family aircraft across 3,024 weekly flights
Key facts
- First, Air India finished retrofitting 27 legacy A320neo aircraft in one year.
- Additionally, the work is part of a USD 400 million modernisation programme.
- As a result, the airline now flies 104 A320 Family aircraft with new or upgraded cabins.
- Furthermore, these aircraft operate 3,024 weekly flights on 82 routes.
- Importantly, cabins now offer Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
- Moreover, every seat has USB‑A and USB‑C power.
- Finally, travellers can use Vista Stream for entertainment on personal devices.
Why this matters
India’s airline sector is changing fast. Consequently, this retrofit shows clear progress. It creates a single, trusted cabin standard on busy routes. Therefore, travellers get steady comfort and the same key features. For Air India, the change supports brand renewal and better satisfaction. Meanwhile, it also helps reliability while widebody work continues.
What changed in the cabin
- Business Class: New ergonomic seats and a fresh look. In addition, lighting and finishes feel more modern.
- Premium Economy: Extra legroom and upgraded upholstery. Notably, this is rare on Indian narrow‑bodies.
- Economy: Modern seats, better pitch, and cleaner finishes. As a result, the whole cabin feels more consistent.
Across the 27 legacy A320neos, Air India added:
- 3,564 new Economy seats.
- 648 new Premium Economy seats.
- 216 new Business seats.
- Over 450 metres of premium leather, 15,000 metres of fabric, and 5,000 square metres of carpet.
- A full repaint in the new livery with about 8,000 kg of paint.
Sources: Press release; retrofit explainer.
Power and entertainment
Every seat has USB‑A and USB‑C charging. Therefore, travellers can power phones, tablets, and laptops. In addition, they can stream about 900 hours of content through Vista Stream. Consequently, devices stay ready for work or play. Moreover, this approach avoids the weight and complexity of seatback screens.
Network impact
With 104 A320 Family aircraft refreshed or newly delivered, coverage is wider. Accordingly, the airline now runs 3,024 weekly flights on 82 routes.
- Domestic: Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Hyderabad, Delhi–Bengaluru, Delhi–Kolkata, Delhi–Chennai, Mumbai–Bengaluru, Mumbai–Hyderabad, Mumbai–Chennai, Mumbai–Kolkata, and more.
- Short‑haul international: Bangkok, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Manila, Mauritius, Malé, Riyadh, Jeddah, and most Singapore flights.
Consequently, more travellers will see the new product. Moreover, the experience should match across aircraft on key routes. In practice, that means fewer surprises at the gate.
Customer outcomes
Air India reports a narrow‑body Net Promoter Score of about 45 to 50. Accordingly, this aligns with the new seats and updated service. The three‑class layout gives clearer choice for business and leisure needs. In addition, seat power and streaming fit today’s digital habits.
In context: a USD 400 million programme
This A320neo phase is one part of a wider plan. Specifically, the programme covers legacy narrow‑bodies and wide‑bodies. It adds new seats, modern cabins, and a unified livery. First came the 27 A320neos. Next, work moves to 40 wide‑bodies, including Boeing 787‑8 and 777‑300ER aircraft.
What is next
- A321 retrofits from 2026: 13 legacy A321 aircraft. Additionally, these will be sequenced with ex‑Vistara jets to harmonise the product.
- Boeing 787‑8 retrofits: The first of 26 went to Victorville in July 2025. Consequently, completion is targeted for mid‑2027.
- Boeing 777‑300ER retrofits: 13 aircraft start in early 2027. Finally, completion is expected by October 2028, subject to supply conditions.
Traveller tips
- Expect Business, Premium Economy, and Economy on most A320 Family flights.
- Moreover, bring your devices. USB‑A and USB‑C power and Vista Stream make travel easier.
- Also, look for the new livery. If you see it, the cabin likely matches the new spec.
- Finally, check key routes first. Busy domestic and regional sectors lead the rollout.
