Air India's Refitted Boeing 787-8s Return as IndiGo Inducts Airbus A321XLR

December 31, 2025 at 12:23 PM•3 min read

IndiGo will induct India's first Airbus A321XLR for international expansion, as Air India reintroduces its first two fully refitted Boeing 787-8s in February 2026.

Key Points

1Air India's first two retrofitted Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners re-enter service in February 2026.
2The retrofit is part of a US$400 million program for Air India's legacy widebody fleet.
3IndiGo will induct India's first Airbus A321XLR in 2026, launching non-stop flights to Athens, Greece.

Two major Indian carriers announced significant fleet plans for 2026. Air India fleet modernization is accelerating with its widebody retrofit program. IndiGo is set to expand its international reach. The airline will induct the first Airbus A321XLR into the country. These moves signal a major shift in the India long-haul aviation market.

Air India's Widebody Upgrade

Tata Group-owned Air India is focusing on its legacy fleet. The first two refurbished Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner interior aircraft will re-enter service. This is scheduled for February 2026. The aircraft are part of a US$400 million retrofit program. This initiative aims to enhance the passenger experience. The refit includes new seats and upgraded inflight entertainment (IFE) systems.

Air India plans to return two more retrofitted 787s each month. By late 2026, about 65% of the widebody fleet will feature modern cabins. The refit of the larger Boeing 777 fleet will also commence soon. The airline is also expecting six new widebody planes in 2026. These include both Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s.

IndiGo's Long-Haul Shift

IndiGo is making a strategic push into medium-to-long-haul routes. The carrier will become the A321XLR first Indian operator. The IndiGo Airbus A321XLR induction is planned for early 2026. The new jet will launch non-stop services to Athens, Greece.

The Airbus A321XLR long-range capability is key to this expansion. This aircraft can fly up to 4,700 nautical miles. IndiGo will configure the jet with 195 seats. This includes 12 seats in its new premium section, 'IndiGo Stretch.' This represents a significant step in IndiGo international expansion. It moves the low-cost carrier beyond its traditional short-haul focus.

Industry Impact and Outlook

These parallel developments highlight India's aviation growth. Air India is aggressively modernizing its product. This aims to compete with top global carriers. IndiGo's move challenges traditional long-haul models. It uses a narrowbody jet for medium-haul routes. Both airlines are investing heavily in new and improved aircraft. This is crucial for India's booming travel sector. The competition will ultimately benefit passengers. They will see better comfort and more non-stop options.

Risk: IndiGo must secure approval from the DGCA for the A321XLR's entry into service.
Opportunity: Air India's refit program will ensure a consistent, modern product across its international fleet.
Challenge: The scale of Air India's retrofit program must be executed on time to meet customer expectations.

For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights. The Air India widebody retrofit program and IndiGo's new fleet are key to this future.