The answer is simple: Air India is retrofitting its Boeing 787-8 fleet to create a more modern, premium, and globally competitive flying experience.
The first upgraded aircraft now includes a new three-class layout with Business Class suites, Premium Economy, refreshed Economy seating, upgraded 4K entertainment screens, and Air India’s latest cabin design.
Key takeaways include:
- The old two-class cabin has been replaced by Business, Premium Economy, and Economy.
- The aircraft now features 20 private Business Class suites, 25 Premium Economy seats, and 205 Economy seats.
- Every seat now includes a new 4K QLED entertainment screen and charging ports.
- The retrofit is part of Air India’s US$400 million fleet transformation programme.
- More retrofitted Boeing 787 aircraft will enter service through 2027, especially on routes linking India with the UAE, Europe, Australia, and the UK.
Why Is Air India Retrofitting Its Boeing 787-8 Fleet?
Air India is retrofitting its Boeing 787-8 fleet because the airline wants to modernise older aircraft and bring them up to the same standard as its newest long-haul planes.
Before the upgrade, many of these Dreamliners still had an older two-class configuration and dated cabin interiors that no longer matched what passengers expect on international routes.
The airline is investing US$400 million to refresh its legacy fleet and improve comfort, privacy, technology, and consistency across aircraft. The new retrofitted B787-8 now matches the same premium design language seen on Air India’s latest Boeing 787-9 aircraft introduced in 2026.
For passengers, this means:
- Better seating in every cabin
- More privacy on long-haul flights
- New inflight entertainment and charging options
- A more premium travel experience between India and global destinations
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, described the first retrofitted aircraft as “a shining beacon of the new Air India” and said the programme shows the airline’s transformation is gaining momentum.
What Has Changed Inside Air India’s Retrofitted B787-8 Cabin?
Air India’s retrofitted B787-8 interior is very different from the older version that many travellers from the UAE may remember. The aircraft has been rebuilt from front to back with new seats, upgraded materials, modern technology, redesigned cabins, and a completely different layout.
The airline spent 45 days and more than 12,800 manhours transforming the first aircraft. Almost every visible part of the cabin was replaced or refreshed, from the seats and carpets to the walls, lavatories, overhead bins, and lighting.
How Has the Aircraft Moved From a Two-Class to a Three-Class Layout?
The biggest change is that the aircraft no longer operates with only Business Class and Economy Class. Air India has introduced a three-class configuration for the first time on these older Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
The new cabin now includes:
- 20 Business Class suites in a 1-2-1 layout
- 25 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout
- 205 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout
This new arrangement gives passengers more choice depending on their budget and travel needs. Premium Economy especially fills the gap between standard Economy and expensive Business Class, which is important for long flights between the UAE and India, Europe, or Australia.
Previously, passengers either had to pay for Business Class or remain in regular Economy. The new cabin now offers a middle option with extra comfort, better seating, and more personal space.
Industry observers have also noted that the new three-class layout makes Air India more competitive with other international airlines operating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to India.
What New Seats, Materials, and Cabin Features Were Added?
Air India replaced almost every major cabin component during the retrofit. The airline used new materials and modern seat designs across all three cabins to create a more premium appearance.
The refurbishment required:
- 475 metres of new fabric
- 167 metres of synthetic leather
- 169 metres of new carpet
- 646 litres of paint
Passengers will now notice:
- New carpets and curtains throughout the cabin
- Refreshed wall laminates
- Newly upgraded lavatories
- Overhauled galley areas
- Refurbished overhead bin panels
- A new Cabin Service System
- An updated Crew Application Panel interface
The Business Class cabin uses customised Elevate Ascent seats, while Premium Economy and Economy use RECARO seats designed for long-haul comfort.
One aviation analyst familiar with the programme said, “The old interiors looked functional, but they no longer felt competitive. The new B787 cabin finally gives Air India a product that looks and feels modern from every angle.”
How Does the New Interior Match Air India’s Latest Widebody Standards?
Air India specifically designed the retrofitted B787-8 to match the appearance and passenger experience of its new Boeing 787-9 aircraft that entered service in January 2026.
This means passengers can expect:
- Similar seat styling across cabins
- The same design theme and colour palette
- Matching inflight entertainment systems
- A more premium and consistent onboard experience
The new interior also reflects Air India’s updated brand identity and latest livery. After the cabin work was completed in California, the aircraft received Air India’s new exterior colours and branding at a specialist paint facility in San Bernardino.
Campbell Wilson said, “The retrofit of our first widebody aircraft is a visible symbol of the momentum behind Air India’s transformation.” He added that the airline is “rapidly modernising the backbone of our long-haul fleet and raising the bar for customers flying between India and the world.”
What Can Passengers Expect in the New Business Class Suites?
Passengers flying in Business Class on the retrofitted Air India B787-8 will see the biggest change. Instead of the older open-style seating, the aircraft now offers 20 private suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, which means every passenger has direct aisle access.
Each suite has been designed to create more privacy and comfort on long-haul journeys. The new sliding doors make the cabin feel more exclusive, while the fully flat bed helps passengers rest better during overnight flights.
Key Business Class features include:
- 42-inch seat pitch
- 79-inch fully flat bed
- 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen
- Privacy sliding doors
- Direct aisle access
- Multiple charging ports
- Softly lit personal cubby
- Vanity mirror and headphone hook
- Jaali-inspired feature lamp
The cabin also feels noticeably more refined because of the new materials, softer lighting, and redesigned storage spaces.
A passenger who recently viewed the aircraft during its unveiling said,
“It feels far closer to what travellers expect from Gulf carriers and other international airlines. The privacy doors and modern styling immediately stand out.”
For UAE-based business travellers, this is likely to be one of the most important upgrades because many Air India long-haul services connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah with Europe, North America, and Australia through India.
How Does Premium Economy Improve the Travel Experience on the Retrofitted B787?
Premium Economy is one of the most important additions to Air India’s retrofitted B787-8 interior. Many passengers want more comfort than Economy Class but do not want to pay the much higher price of Business Class. Air India’s new Premium Economy cabin is designed to solve that problem.
The aircraft now includes 25 Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 layout. This section provides more space, greater privacy, and extra comfort for travellers on medium and long-haul flights.
What Features Are Included in the New Premium Economy Seats?
The new Premium Economy seats are wider, more supportive, and designed for longer flights. Air India has selected RECARO PL3530 seats for this cabin, giving passengers a noticeable upgrade compared with standard Economy.
| Feature | Premium Economy Details |
| Seat Layout | 2-3-2 |
| Number of Seats | 25 |
| Seat Pitch | 38 inches |
| Recline | 7 inches |
| Headrest | 6-way adjustable |
| Leg Support | Calf and leg rest |
| Screen Size | 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR |
| Charging | USB Type-A and Type-C fast charging |
Additional Premium Economy benefits include:
- More privacy because there are fewer seats across each row
- Better armrest space
- Dedicated bottle holder
- Extra room to relax during overnight flights
The 38-inch seat pitch is particularly important because it provides significantly more legroom than Economy Class. The larger recline and additional calf support can make a major difference on flights lasting more than four hours.
Passengers also receive a larger entertainment screen and easier access to charging ports, making the cabin more practical for work and entertainment.
Why Is Premium Economy Important for UAE Travellers Flying to India and Beyond?
Premium Economy is likely to become especially popular with UAE travellers. Many people living in the UAE regularly fly between cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah and destinations in India, Europe, Australia, or North America. For these passengers, the new cabin offers a practical middle ground.
Premium Economy may appeal to:
- Families wanting more comfort on overnight flights
- Professionals travelling for work but staying within a budget
- UAE residents flying onward from India to Europe or Australia
- Travellers who find standard Economy uncomfortable on long journeys
For example, a family travelling from Dubai to Delhi and then connecting to London may prefer Premium Economy because it offers extra space and comfort without the cost of four Business Class tickets.
One traveller who viewed the new cabin during the launch event said,
“Premium Economy feels like the right balance. It is noticeably more comfortable than Economy, but still realistic for people paying for their own travel.”
The addition of Premium Economy also brings Air India closer to the standards already offered by several international airlines operating in the UAE market. This makes the airline more competitive and gives travellers more reasons to choose Air India for longer journeys.
What Improvements Have Been Made in Economy Class?
Economy Class has also been upgraded significantly. Although it remains the largest cabin on the aircraft, the new seats and updated technology make the experience feel more modern and comfortable than before.
The retrofitted aircraft includes 205 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout. Air India has chosen the RECARO CL3710 seat for this section, which is designed to improve posture and comfort during long-haul travel.
Passengers in Economy Class now receive:
- 31 to 32 inches of seat pitch
- 5 inches of recline
- 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen
- USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports
- Better ergonomic seat design
Compared with the previous cabin, the new seats provide improved cushioning and better support for the lower back and neck. The addition of larger screens and modern charging options also makes the cabin feel more up to date.
Passengers will also notice refreshed carpets, brighter cabin finishes, and upgraded overhead panels throughout Economy Class. These details may seem small, but together they make the aircraft feel newer and more welcoming.
For many UAE travellers flying to India, Economy Class remains the most common option. The changes mean those passengers can now enjoy a noticeably better experience even without upgrading to Premium Economy or Business Class.
What New Inflight Entertainment and Technology Features Are Available?
Beyond the new seats and cabins, Air India has also modernised the technology onboard the retrofitted B787-8. Every cabin now includes larger entertainment screens, faster charging, and a more advanced inflight entertainment platform.
The goal is to make long-haul travel more convenient, especially for passengers who want to watch movies, work, charge devices, or stay connected during the journey.
How Do the New 4K QLED Screens and Charging Ports Improve the Journey?
One of the most visible changes is the introduction of 4K QLED HDR touchscreens across every cabin.
Screen sizes vary by cabin:
- Business Class: 17 inches
- Premium Economy: 13.3 inches
- Economy Class: 11.6 inches
These screens are brighter, sharper, and more responsive than the older system previously used on the aircraft. The higher resolution makes movies, TV shows, maps, and flight information easier to view.
Passengers also now have access to both USB Type-A and USB Type-C charging ports. Business Class includes additional charging options for laptops and larger devices.
These upgrades are useful because many travellers now carry multiple devices, including phones, tablets, wireless headphones, and laptops.
For UAE-based passengers who often travel overnight or on long connecting journeys, these new features can make flights feel much more comfortable and productive.
What Is the Thales AVANT Up IFE System and Why Does It Matter?
Air India has installed the new Thales AVANT Up inflight entertainment system throughout the aircraft. This is one of the airline’s most advanced cabin technology upgrades.
The system offers:
- Faster touchscreen response
- Improved entertainment quality
- Better user interface and navigation
- More modern software and graphics
- Future compatibility with expanded digital features
The same Thales AVANT Up system is also being introduced on Air India’s newest aircraft, helping create a more consistent experience across the airline’s long-haul fleet.
Air India is also preparing to introduce wider onboard connectivity in the future. The airline has already confirmed that more aircraft will receive inflight Wi-Fi as they complete refurbishment.
An airline executive involved in the transformation programme said the upgraded entertainment system is important because modern passengers expect “the same level of digital convenience in the air that they experience on the ground.”
How Long Did the First Air India B787 Retrofit Take and What Work Was Completed?
The first Air India Boeing 787-8 retrofit took 45 days and required nearly 12,825 manhours to complete. The work was carried out at Boeing’s Modification Center in Victorville, California.
The aircraft was effectively rebuilt from the inside out. Teams first removed the old interior, then redesigned the layout, installed new seats, replaced carpets and wall panels, upgraded the lavatories and galleys, and fitted a completely new inflight entertainment system.
After the cabin work was completed, the aircraft was flown to San Bernardino, California, where it received Air India’s new livery. A separate 20-person team spent more than 5,700 hours repainting the aircraft over 18 days.
The result is an aircraft that looks and feels completely different from the older version passengers may remember.
When Will More Retrofitted Air India B787 Aircraft Enter Service?
Air India has confirmed that 25 additional Boeing 787 aircraft will be retrofitted after the first upgraded aircraft entered service. Two more aircraft are already undergoing the same process.
The airline expects most of the retrofit programme to continue through 2027. Air India has said that 85 percent of the legacy B787 fleet should be upgraded by the end of 2027, with the remaining aircraft expected to follow shortly afterwards.
Once more retrofitted aircraft enter service, passengers can expect to see them operating on:
- India–UAE routes
- Flights to the UK and Europe
- Australia services
- Long-haul routes to North America and the Far East
Air India says the completed retrofit programme will improve the onboard experience on more than 300 flights per week. The airline also plans to begin refurbishing its Boeing 777-300ER fleet after the B787 work is completed.
Why Does Air India’s B787 Retrofit Programme Matter for UAE-Based Travellers?
The Air India retrofitted B787 interior matters for UAE-based travellers because the UAE is one of Air India’s largest and most important international markets. Thousands of passengers fly every week between the UAE and India for work, business, tourism, and family visits.
Many of those passengers also connect onward from India to Europe, Australia, and North America. The new retrofitted aircraft will make those longer journeys more comfortable and more competitive with other airlines in the region.
For UAE travellers, the biggest benefits include:
- A new Premium Economy option
- More privacy in Business Class
- Better Economy seating
- Larger entertainment screens
- Improved comfort on long overnight flights
The changes also help Air India compete more directly with Gulf airlines, which already offer newer cabins and more premium onboard experiences. For passengers in the UAE, this means there will soon be more choice and a much better travel experience when flying with Air India.
Conclusion
Air India’s retrofitted B787-8 interior represents one of the airline’s biggest upgrades in recent years. The move from an older two-class layout to a modern three-class cabin gives passengers more comfort, more choice, and better technology on long-haul flights.
Business Class now offers private suites, Premium Economy introduces a valuable middle option, and Economy Class passengers also benefit from new seats and larger entertainment screens.
Combined with Air India’s new livery and upgraded cabin design, the aircraft now feels far closer to the standard travellers expect from a leading international airline.
As more retrofitted Boeing 787 aircraft enter service through 2027, passengers travelling between the UAE, India, Europe, and beyond are likely to notice a major difference in the overall journey. The Air India retrofitted B787 interior is not simply a cosmetic change. It is a complete transformation of the passenger experience.
FAQs About Air India Retrofitted B787 Interior
Can passengers specifically choose a retrofitted Boeing 787-8 when booking with Air India?
Not yet, because the airline is gradually introducing the upgraded aircraft across different routes. Passengers may need to check the aircraft type and cabin layout closer to departure.
Will all Boeing 787-8 aircraft in the Air India fleet receive the new interior?
Yes, the airline plans to retrofit 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft as part of its fleet modernisation programme. Most of these upgrades are expected to be completed by 2027.
Is Wi-Fi available on the retrofitted Air India B787-8?
The first retrofitted aircraft mainly focuses on upgraded entertainment screens and charging ports. However, Air India has indicated that broader inflight connectivity and Wi-Fi may be introduced in future phases.
How is the new Premium Economy cabin different from regular Economy?
Premium Economy offers more legroom, a wider seat, greater recline, and a larger entertainment screen. It also includes extra comfort features such as a calf rest, bottle holder, and improved privacy.
Are the new Business Class suites fully enclosed?
The new Business Class suites include privacy sliding doors, but they are not completely floor-to-ceiling enclosed. They still provide far more privacy and personal space than the older Business Class seats.
Which routes are most likely to receive the retrofitted Boeing 787-8 first?
The upgraded aircraft are expected to appear first on major international routes between India, the UAE, Europe, Australia, and the UK. These are some of the airline’s busiest long-haul markets.
Does the retrofitted cabin also include changes outside the aircraft?
Yes, the first upgraded Boeing 787-8 also received Air India’s new exterior livery and branding. This gives the aircraft a refreshed look both inside and outside.
