THE MANY AIRCRAFT IN THE AI FLEET
Cruising Heights|September 2023
Air India has multiple aircraft types with differing layouts in its fleet.It will be a huge challernge for the airline as it grapples with the complexeties of operating such a diverse mix.
 AMEYA JOSHI 
THE MANY AIRCRAFT IN THE AI FLEET

On August 10, 2023, Air India unveiled its new branding and also publicly stated its plan for the refurbishment of the 13 B777-300ER that it has in its fleet. The airline will induct the first of six A350 900s in the next couple of months before the rest of the A350-1000 start coming in along with the Dreamliners and eventually the B77X.

As things stand, Air India will have three B777-200LRs and 13 B777-300ERs that are legacy acquisitions from the old Air India, six B777-300ERs that earlier operated for Etihad, three B777-300ERs that earlier operated for Singapore Airlines, five former Delta Air Lines B777-200LRs, its own Dreamliners and the A350-900

What to expect in each fleet?

A) The refurbished B777-300ERs of Air India The airline has 13 of those in its fleet and does a lot of heavy lifting amongst its routes with flights primarily to North American destinations, barring the long flights to San Francisco which are operated by the B777-200LR.

Currently, the aircraft is configured with four First-class suites, 35 Business class seats which are arranged in 2-3-2 seating (7 abreast, 5 rows) and 303 economy class seats which are 9 abreast. Air India released a video of how the refurbishment would look and a detailed look at it shows how the new LOPA (Layout of Passenger Amenities) is likely to be.

Introduction of Premium Economy 

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRUISING HEIGHTSView all
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
Cruising Heights

Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
Cruising Heights

FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Cruising Heights

ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Cruising Heights

CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM

Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
Cruising Heights

PITCHING FOR SUPPORT

India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
Cruising Heights

BATTLE FOR THE SKIES

As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
Cruising Heights

"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING UP
Cruising Heights

POWERING UP

Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
Cruising Heights

Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach

In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
Cruising Heights

POWERING A GREEN FUTURE

FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024