New Delhi, Nov 24 (NationPress) In the wake of the tragic Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that resulted in 241 fatalities, along with various other challenges faced this year, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson announced on Monday that substantial transformations are anticipated for the airline in 2026.

Describing 2026 as “the year of transformation” for the airline, Wilson detailed plans for enhancements across the group’s fleet, upgrades to in-flight services including a gourmet menu with fine-dining presentation and personalized service in business class, as well as an improved lounge experience.

“2026 will be a transformative year for Air India. We will see tangible changes,” Wilson stated during a press briefing at the Air India Training Academy located in Gurugram.

“By the conclusion of the calendar year 2026, over 50% of Air India’s widebody fleet will be modernized. More than 85% of the narrowbody fleet will feature the new product. In 2026, the newly introduced and retrofitted fleet will be accompanied by enhanced in-flight services and lounge experiences,” he added.

Highlighting Air India’s ongoing investment in enhancing the aviation landscape, Wilson mentioned that 82% (104) of Air India's narrowbody fleet is set to be modernized.

For the widebody fleet, 57% will boast modern interiors by the end of calendar year 2026. The fleet is also expected to double to 36 by the close of 2026.

The retrofit of 50 Air India Express B737-8 aircraft is projected to be completed by mid-2026.

“The first two retrofitted B787-8 aircraft will return in Q1 2026, and the retrofit of all 26 legacy B787-8 is expected to be concluded by mid-2027,” the CEO noted.

“The inaugural line-fit B787-9 will be delivered by the end of 2025. Six new widebody aircraft (A350-1000 and B787-9), alongside at least 20 narrowbody aircraft, are anticipated to arrive by the end of calendar year 2026,” he further added.

Currently, upgraded aircraft account for 52% of total weekly international flights, a figure expected to rise to 81% by the end of 2026, according to Wilson.

In a similar vein, the percentage of domestic flights featuring a new experience is projected to grow from the current 80% to 96% by 2026.

The airline aims to establish broad connectivity to 800 cities worldwide from India via 110 codeshare and interline agreements.

“The count of premium economy seats available weekly will increase significantly as new and retrofitted aircraft join our fleet,” the CEO remarked.

He also mentioned that approximately 2,000 cabin crew are being trained monthly with new skills, including wine masterclasses, mixology sessions, culinary excellence labs, and epicurean interest groups.