GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) plans to induct 26 new aircraft by 2026 as it continues fleet renewal across key routes, including Ahmedabad (AMD) and London Gatwick (LGW), while the airline’s CEO outlines major upgrades despite flat capacity.

Air India expects visible changes across its product and operations even as it balances new deliveries with aircraft returns and ongoing retrofits.

The carrier is preparing for significant shifts in its wide-body and narrow-body segments, supported by ongoing retrofit work, new inductions, and changes arising from fleet retirements.

Reported by Deccan Herald, the airline is progressing through a structured transformation even as supply chain delays and the June 12 crash shape parts of its operational narrative.

Air India Fleet in 2026

Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson stated that 2026 will be a year of “very visible change,” supported by the induction of 26 aircraft and the upgrade of most of its wide-body and narrow-body jets.

Despite these additions, overall capacity in 2026 will remain largely flat because several aircraft will exit the fleet.

The airline operates nearly 300 aircraft, including about 187 for Air India and more than 110 for Air India Express. Its current wide-body fleet includes 22 Boeing 777s and 32 Boeing 787s.

Wilson explained that Air India will return several leased Boeing 777 aircraft and retire three owned 777s in 2026.

Although the airline will introduce its first Boeing 787-9 from the 570-aircraft order before Christmas, most growth will be visible in 2027 and 2028 when net additions begin.

Air India should have received 28 new aircraft by now, but supply chain delays have limited deliveries to “white-tail” aircraft originally meant for other carriers.

The airline expects to receive six wide-body aircraft in 2026, including Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-1000s, along with 20 narrow-body aircraft. Of the 570 aircraft ordered, 524 are yet to be delivered.

Wilson noted that “the number of aircraft we go into the year with is about the same as the number of aircraft we end the year with,” highlighting the balance between new arrivals, lease returns, and retrofit schedules.

Retrofit Progress

Air India’s wide-body retrofit programme will become more visible in 2026. The first two upgraded Boeing 787-8 aircraft will return to service in February, and the airline plans to complete two to three retrofits each month.

By the end of 2026, roughly two-thirds of the Boeing 787 fleet will be upgraded, and the entire fleet is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

Retrofit delays have been driven by shortages of premium seats, which remain a global bottleneck.

In the narrow-body segment, around 83 percent of the fleet has already been upgraded. Due to slow Airbus and Boeing deliveries, Air India will retain 17 legacy narrow-body aircraft that were initially planned for retirement.

Vistara, merged with Air India in November 2024, will begin adopting new Air India liveries and interior branding this month.

The integration aligns the Tata Group’s aviation portfolio under unified branding standards to support product consistency.

These changes will roll out progressively as Vistara aircraft undergo scheduled maintenance and cabin modifications.

Impact of the June 12 Crash

The June 12 crash involved a Boeing 787-8 operating from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW).

The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 260 fatalities, including 241 passengers and crew members and 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived.

Wilson confirmed that 95 percent of affected families have received interim compensation, and the airline will continue long-term support.

Market Trends, Performance, and Loyalty

Air India has one flight departure every 70 seconds on average, reflecting its extensive national and international footprint.

Wilson noted that U.S.-bound travel demand has softened due to airspace constraints, longer flight times, and visa-related challenges. However, he expects this decline to be temporary.

The Maharaja Club loyalty programme will allow passengers to redeem points on Air India Express soon, expanding redemption options across the group’s network.

Future Outlook

Air India expects sustained growth from 2027 and 2028 as fleet additions accelerate and retrofit programmes conclude.

With 524 aircraft still pending from its order of 570, the airline anticipates a significant expansion phase once supply chain conditions improve and existing aircraft transitions stabilise.

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