Air India Takes Flight with Retrofits and Safety Measures
March 19, 2025, 5:44 pm
Air India is soaring into a new era. The airline has unveiled its first retrofitted aircraft, VT-EXN, a narrowbody A320neo. This isn’t just a paint job; it’s a complete makeover. Think of it as a phoenix rising from the ashes. The Tata Group has invested $400 million to revamp Air India’s fleet, breathing new life into its legacy aircraft.
The VT-EXN is a glimpse into the future. It boasts a modern three-class configuration, featuring new seats, carpets, curtains, and an upgraded cabin ambiance. This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort and experience. Passengers can expect a smoother ride, whether they’re in Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class.
But where will this aircraft fly? VT-EXN and its 26 A320neo siblings will serve domestic and short-haul international routes. They join 14 brand-new A320neos recently added to the fleet. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance Air India’s service offerings and compete more effectively in the crowded skies.
The retrofit program doesn’t stop with the A320s. Air India plans to upgrade 40 widebody B787 and B777 aircraft. The first B787 is set to undergo its transformation next month. This ambitious plan aims to complete all retrofits by the third quarter of 2025. Over 3,500 new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats will be installed. This is a significant investment in passenger comfort and safety.
However, safety is not just about comfortable seats. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened its grip on airline safety protocols. Recent incidents have raised alarms about seat safety. Air India has initiated a rigorous inspection program. Every seven days, seat cushions will be checked for sagging. This move comes after a high-profile incident where a government minister was assigned a “broken and sunk” seat. The airline has since apologized and is taking steps to ensure such lapses do not occur again.
In a world where safety is paramount, Air India is also keeping an eye on emerging threats. Lithium batteries, commonly found in personal devices, have become a significant concern. Overheating incidents have surged, prompting airlines worldwide to revise their policies. In 2024, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recorded three incidents every two weeks involving lithium batteries. This is a stark increase from just under one per week in 2018.
Airlines in South Korea have taken the lead in updating their lithium battery policies. Air Busan was the first to prohibit power banks in overhead bins, requiring passengers to keep them on their person. This allows for quicker identification of potential issues. Following suit, other South Korean airlines have tightened their rules, mandating that power banks and e-cigarettes remain with passengers and prohibiting charging devices onboard.
Singapore Airlines and its budget counterpart, Scoot, have also joined the fray. Starting April 1, passengers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via onboard USB ports. This decision underscores the airline's commitment to safety. Similarly, Air Astana, EVA Air, and Thai Airways have implemented strict policies against charging power banks during flights.
Even Malaysia Aviation Group has made changes, stating that power banks must be stored under seats or in seat pockets, not in overhead compartments. Batik Air in Indonesia has followed suit, allowing only two power banks per passenger and advising caution with auto-magnet charge power banks.
Air India has yet to change its lithium battery policy. The airline states it regularly reviews its procedures based on industry events and regulatory recommendations. However, it has opted to maintain its current stance for now, citing the need for a clear consensus on the best approach.
The aviation landscape is evolving. Airlines are adapting to new challenges while striving to enhance passenger experience. Air India’s retrofit program is a bold step forward. It signals a commitment to modernity and safety. The airline is not just upgrading its fleet; it’s redefining its identity.
As Air India embarks on this journey, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high. But with a renewed focus on passenger comfort and safety, Air India is positioning itself to reclaim its place in the skies.
In conclusion, Air India is not merely flying; it’s soaring. The retrofitting of its aircraft is a testament to its commitment to excellence. The focus on safety, especially regarding lithium batteries, reflects a proactive approach to emerging threats. As the airline continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact its reputation and market share. One thing is clear: Air India is ready to take on the world, one flight at a time.
The VT-EXN is a glimpse into the future. It boasts a modern three-class configuration, featuring new seats, carpets, curtains, and an upgraded cabin ambiance. This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort and experience. Passengers can expect a smoother ride, whether they’re in Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class.
But where will this aircraft fly? VT-EXN and its 26 A320neo siblings will serve domestic and short-haul international routes. They join 14 brand-new A320neos recently added to the fleet. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance Air India’s service offerings and compete more effectively in the crowded skies.
The retrofit program doesn’t stop with the A320s. Air India plans to upgrade 40 widebody B787 and B777 aircraft. The first B787 is set to undergo its transformation next month. This ambitious plan aims to complete all retrofits by the third quarter of 2025. Over 3,500 new Economy Class seats, more than 600 Premium Economy seats, and 200 Business Class seats will be installed. This is a significant investment in passenger comfort and safety.
However, safety is not just about comfortable seats. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened its grip on airline safety protocols. Recent incidents have raised alarms about seat safety. Air India has initiated a rigorous inspection program. Every seven days, seat cushions will be checked for sagging. This move comes after a high-profile incident where a government minister was assigned a “broken and sunk” seat. The airline has since apologized and is taking steps to ensure such lapses do not occur again.
In a world where safety is paramount, Air India is also keeping an eye on emerging threats. Lithium batteries, commonly found in personal devices, have become a significant concern. Overheating incidents have surged, prompting airlines worldwide to revise their policies. In 2024, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration recorded three incidents every two weeks involving lithium batteries. This is a stark increase from just under one per week in 2018.
Airlines in South Korea have taken the lead in updating their lithium battery policies. Air Busan was the first to prohibit power banks in overhead bins, requiring passengers to keep them on their person. This allows for quicker identification of potential issues. Following suit, other South Korean airlines have tightened their rules, mandating that power banks and e-cigarettes remain with passengers and prohibiting charging devices onboard.
Singapore Airlines and its budget counterpart, Scoot, have also joined the fray. Starting April 1, passengers will not be allowed to charge portable power banks via onboard USB ports. This decision underscores the airline's commitment to safety. Similarly, Air Astana, EVA Air, and Thai Airways have implemented strict policies against charging power banks during flights.
Even Malaysia Aviation Group has made changes, stating that power banks must be stored under seats or in seat pockets, not in overhead compartments. Batik Air in Indonesia has followed suit, allowing only two power banks per passenger and advising caution with auto-magnet charge power banks.
Air India has yet to change its lithium battery policy. The airline states it regularly reviews its procedures based on industry events and regulatory recommendations. However, it has opted to maintain its current stance for now, citing the need for a clear consensus on the best approach.
The aviation landscape is evolving. Airlines are adapting to new challenges while striving to enhance passenger experience. Air India’s retrofit program is a bold step forward. It signals a commitment to modernity and safety. The airline is not just upgrading its fleet; it’s redefining its identity.
As Air India embarks on this journey, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high. But with a renewed focus on passenger comfort and safety, Air India is positioning itself to reclaim its place in the skies.
In conclusion, Air India is not merely flying; it’s soaring. The retrofitting of its aircraft is a testament to its commitment to excellence. The focus on safety, especially regarding lithium batteries, reflects a proactive approach to emerging threats. As the airline continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact its reputation and market share. One thing is clear: Air India is ready to take on the world, one flight at a time.