Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has announced that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the airline, marking the most significant changes in its product and service offerings. Speaking at his first media briefing since the Air India flight AI-171 incident in Ahmedabad on June 12, Wilson stated that the airline is committed to its capital expenditure plans despite recent challenges, with the goal of transforming Air India into a world-class carrier.
A key component of this transformation is the induction of 26-30 brand new aircraft in 2026, part of the mega aircraft order placed in 2022. Air India has already made substantial progress in retrofitting its legacy narrow-body fleet and has initiated the retrofit program for its wide-body aircraft. The arrival of new aircraft in 2026 will allow the airline to showcase its new Air India brand and product across a larger portion of its fleet.
Despite the addition of these new aircraft, Air India’s overall capacity is expected to remain relatively flat in 2026, as some planes will be returned to lessors and others will undergo refitting. Of the 570 aircraft ordered by the Air India group, 524 are still awaiting delivery. Wilson noted that the first line-fit aircraft manufactured specifically for Air India, a Boeing 787-9, is expected to join the fleet in December.
Currently, Air India operates a fleet of 187 aircraft, while its low-cost carrier arm, Air India Express, has 110 planes. Wilson stated that 28 new line-fit planes made for Air India should have been inducted by now, but supply chain issues have delayed deliveries. The CEO anticipates the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 before Christmas, with service beginning in January. Throughout 2026, the airline expects to receive six new wide-body aircraft, a mix of 787-9s and Airbus A350-1000s, along with at least two dozen narrow-body aircraft.
Wilson emphasized that the changes will be most noticeable to customers in 2026, following extensive behind-the-scenes work on systems, processes, personnel, and capabilities. The airline has also been focusing on refitting the interiors of its narrow-body aircraft, with approximately 83 percent of the fleet already upgraded. This cabin refit and upgrade is a key part of Air India’s product transformation plan, addressing the previous reputation of run-down cabins and an aging fleet under government ownership.
Air India has decided to retrofit an additional 17 narrow-body aircraft, initially slated for retirement, due to slow deliveries of new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Around 70 aircraft from Vistara, which merged into Air India last November, will also undergo conversion into Air India livery and cabin branding, starting this month. However, the airline will return some leased Boeing 777 wide-body jets to lessors and retire three legacy Boeing 777s, resulting in a similar aircraft capacity at the end of 2026 compared to the beginning of the year.
Currently, Air India’s new brand identity and product are available on 80 percent of its domestic flights and 52 percent of its international flights. By the end of 2026, this will increase to 96 percent and 81 percent, respectively, as the wide-body fleet retrofit program progresses and new aircraft are delivered. The retrofit program for legacy wide-body jets has been delayed due to supply chain challenges and seat shortages. The first two retrofitted wide-body Boeing 787-8 aircraft are expected to return to service in the first quarter of 2026, with the retrofit of all 26 legacy 787-8 planes to be completed by mid-2027. The retrofit program for the legacy Boeing 777 aircraft is likely to commence in early 2027 and conclude by mid-2028.
Air India’s wide-body aircraft with modern interiors are expected to double to 36 by the end of 2026, representing 57 percent of the airline’s wide-body fleet, up from the current 31 percent. Wilson affirmed the airline’s commitment to its capital expenditure plans, despite recent challenges, and highlighted that the fleet will be 50 percent modernized by the end of next year, with more long-haul international destinations served by refitted aircraft featuring new seats, entertainment, Wi-Fi, and enhanced food and beverage options.
