Why Air India Express's First Custom Boeing 737-8 Delivery Matters

December 30, 2025 at 04:45 PM•3 min read

Air India Express is set to induct its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 (VT-RNT) in January, signaling the start of 140 custom-configured deliveries and a fleet standardization effort.

Key Points

1Air India Express will induct its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 (VT-RNT) in January, the first of 140 custom-configured aircraft.
2The delivery marks a shift away from inducting white-tail aircraft, which were used since the Tata Group's 2022 takeover.
3The airline is retrofitting 50 existing Boeing 737-8s to a standardized 189-seat configuration to improve fleet consistency and passenger experience.

Air India Express is scheduled to induct its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 aircraft in January. This delivery marks a significant milestone for the carrier. The aircraft, registered VT-RNT, is the 51st Boeing 737-8 to join the fleet. More importantly, it is the first of 140 custom-configured Boeing aircraft on order.

Shifting from White-Tail Aircraft

The induction of a line-fit aircraft is a strategic shift for the Tata Group fleet expansion. Since the Tata Group took control in January 2022, the Air India Group has primarily inducted white-tail aircraft. White-tail planes are those originally built for one airline but delivered to another. This was due to global supply chain issues that delayed new aircraft deliveries. A line-fit aircraft, by contrast, is specifically made and configured for the particular airline. This delivery signals an easing of supply chain woes for the airline.

According to Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh, two-thirds of the current fleet now comprises modern B737-8s and A320/321 neo aircraft. The airline currently operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft, a key detail for Indian commercial aviation watchers.

Fleet Standardization and Retrofit Program

The airline has also begun an extensive B737-8 seat retrofit program. This initiative aims to standardize the passenger experience across the fleet. The program will upgrade 50 existing Boeing 737-8 aircraft already in service. They will be upgraded to a standardized 189-seat configuration. Two aircraft have already completed this standardization process. This effort is part of the larger aircraft fleet modernization strategy. Standardization enhances operational efficiency and maintenance planning.

Impact on Operations and Passengers

Operational Efficiency: A standardized configuration simplifies crew training and maintenance. This is a crucial benefit for a rapidly expanding airline.
Passenger Experience: The retrofit ensures a consistent cabin product across all B737-8s. This improves the customer experience.
Strategic Growth: The first line-fit aircraft delivery supports the long-term growth plan. It enables the airline to deploy aircraft tailored to its specific network needs. This is vital for the Tata Group fleet expansion strategy.

This development is closely watched by industry analysts. It represents a significant step in the airline’s transformation plan. For more insights on this and other industry developments, visit flying.flights for commercial aviation news. The induction of custom-configured Boeing planes will accelerate the airline's market presence in the coming years. This also highlights the growing importance of the Indian market for manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing.