Air India is undergoing a significant transformation with fleet upgrades, enhanced lounges, and a revamped loyalty program, aiming to establish itself as a world-class airline by 2026.
As 2025 approaches its conclusion, Air India is signaling a decisive shift from turnaround efforts to a comprehensive transformation. The airline, owned by the Tata Group, has unveiled a sweeping set of upgrades that encompass aircraft, cabin interiors, lounges, onboard dining, and its loyalty ecosystem. In a detailed message to its Maharaja Club members, Air India described 2025 as a year of visible progress and positioned 2026 as the moment when its global ambitions will fully materialize.
“Our transformation is not theoretical anymore—it is happening every day across our network,” the airline stated in its communication, crediting over 30,000 employees for driving what it termed one of the most ambitious modernization efforts in the carrier’s history. The goal is clear: to build a world-class global airline rooted in Indian hospitality, capable of competing with the best international carriers.
Domestic Skies See the First Wave of Change
Air India’s most tangible improvements in 2025 have emerged in its domestic operations. The airline has introduced more than 104 new and upgraded aircraft, now operating over 3,000 weekly flights that cover nearly 80 percent of its domestic schedule. According to Air India, these changes have fundamentally reshaped the onboard experience for millions of passengers.
Travelers can now enjoy three refreshed cabin classes: an upgraded Economy, India’s only full-service Premium Economy, and a significantly enhanced Business Class. “From ergonomically designed seating to USB and Type-C charging ports at every seat, our intent was to modernize not just the aircraft, but the way passengers interact with them,” the airline noted.
A standout feature has been Vista Stream, Air India’s new wireless in-flight entertainment platform, which offers over 1,200 hours of content streamed directly to passengers’ personal devices. Coupled with redesigned menus and a renewed focus on service warmth, the airline reports a significant increase in positive customer feedback. “We are seeing growing validation from our guests that the experience is genuinely improving,” the message stated.
2026: The Global Reset
While domestic progress has been rapid, Air India has acknowledged that its international product requires deeper renewal. This overhaul is set to accelerate beginning in February 2026, when the airline will commence a full interior refit of its legacy widebody fleet.
The plan is ambitious. Two refurbished Boeing 787 Dreamliners will re-enter service each month, alongside the introduction of six brand-new widebody aircraft, including additional 787s and Airbus A350s. Simultaneously, the long-awaited Boeing 777 refit program will begin. By the end of 2026, Air India expects nearly 65 percent of its widebody fleet—and more than half of its international flights—to feature fully modernized cabins.
“This scale of renewal is unprecedented for Air India,” the airline stated, describing it as a critical step toward restoring competitiveness on long-haul routes across North America, Europe, and beyond.
Lounges, Dining, and the Ground Experience
The transformation extends beyond the aircraft. Air India has confirmed plans to open a flagship international lounge at Delhi Airport in early 2026, followed by a new lounge in San Francisco. Upgrades are also planned for New York JFK, along with a new domestic lounge in Delhi.
“These spaces are being designed to reflect our new identity—modern, premium, and unmistakably Indian,” the airline said.
Onboard dining is also undergoing a comprehensive refresh. A redesigned food and beverage program, which was introduced on select Delhi-departing flights in October, will roll out across the entire network by March 2026. The focus, according to Air India, is on culinary authenticity, higher-quality ingredients, and refined presentation.
Reinventing the Maharaja Club
Perhaps the most strategic shift is occurring in the airline’s loyalty program. Air India has announced a major evolution of the Maharaja Club, aiming to benchmark it against the world’s leading frequent-flyer programs. Planned enhancements include earning and redemption options on Air India Express, member-only fares, no blackout dates, priority services, and improved baggage benefits.
A new co-branded Maharaja Club credit card is also in development, designed to allow members to earn points on everyday spending. “Our goal is to make Maharaja Club more rewarding, more flexible, and more transparent,” the airline stated, adding that access to best-priced award flights will become more frequent.
A Defining Year Ahead
Collectively, these initiatives mark a pivotal moment for India’s flag carrier. With a modernizing fleet, upgraded lounges, elevated dining, and a reimagined loyalty program, Air India is positioning 2026 as a defining year in its resurgence.
“We know there is still work to be done,” the airline acknowledged, “but the direction is clear—and the momentum is real,” according to Global Net News.