Air India has advanced its $400 million widebody fleet retrofit program by installing RECARO Aircraft Seating’s CL3710 economy and PL3530 premium economy seats across 40 Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft. This upgrade, targeting cabin refresh from paint to layout, aims to restore aircraft to near-new condition and boost long-haul competitiveness.
The retrofit, initially slated for late 2024, began with a 787-8 and nears completion by end-2025 after delays in seat certification. RECARO will supply over 22,000 seats over five to six years, extending to line-fit A350-900s and 787-9s entering service in 2025.
First line-fit Boeing 787-9s with these seats launch February 1, 2026, featuring premium economy at 38-inch pitch with seven-inch recline, calf/leg rests, and 13.3-inch IFE screens. Economy offers 31-32-inch pitch, five-inch recline, six-way adjustable headrests, and 11.6-inch monitors with USB-A/C ports.
Aisle seats include integrated crew steps for easier overhead access, enhancing operational efficiency. Recent expansion adds 34 more A350 and 787 aircraft with CL3810 economy seats, aligning the entire widebody fleet for consistent passenger experience and supporting Air India’s transformation strategy.