Air India Express Shifts to All-Economy Cabin
Air India Express is set to revamp its fleet configuration as part of an ambitious growth strategy, with a decision to reconfigure the cabin of its two- and three-class aircraft to an all-economy layout by April 2026, according to managing director Aloke Singh. Speaking during a media briefing at the company’s headquarters, Singh outlined plans to convert certain B737-8 aircraft, originally delivered with business and economy class cabins, into an all-economy configuration. The move is expected to streamline the carrier’s offerings and support its goal of increasing passenger numbers.
The reconfigured aircraft were initially delivered as white tails and earmarked for various Chinese airlines before Air India Express acquired them with the cabins already installed. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet that includes 41 B737-8s, with ch-aviation data indicating that 36 of these aircraft feature eight business class seats while an additional two are outfitted with four business class seats. In addition to the business class cabins, the aircraft offer a range of economy class configurations, varying from 150 to 186 seats, and 13 of the aircraft also include 18 economy plus seats each. By converting selected aircraft to an all-economy layout, the airline aims to maximize capacity and enhance overall passenger revenue.
Air India Express, a key player in the low-cost carrier segment, currently operates a diverse fleet that includes 104 aircraft comprising 24 A320-200s, 12 A320-200Ns, 26 B737-800s, and 42 B737-8s. Alongside these, the airline also operates two A320-200Ns, each featuring 12 business class seats. The decision to reconfigure is part of a broader plan to accommodate rapid growth in passenger demand, with the airline projecting a 50% increase in passenger numbers for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. Passenger traffic is expected to rise from 20 million to 30 million, reflecting a robust recovery and heightened demand for air travel in the region.
As part of its expansion strategy, Air India Express is scheduled to take delivery of 15 aircraft in the fiscal year 2026, which includes 11 factory-new jets and four airframes previously used by parent company Air India. Over the coming years, the airline anticipates a significant increase in its fleet size, with plans to add a total of 149 new aircraft, comprising 50 B737-10s and 99 B737-8s, according to ch-aviation data. This expansion is designed to further strengthen the carrier’s market position and improve its operational flexibility across domestic and international routes.
In addition to fleet expansion and cabin reconfiguration, the airline is also set to introduce A321-200Ns to its operations, starting on the route between Delhi International and Goa Mopa from April 15. The introduction of these new aircraft, along with the planned cabin modifications, underscores Air India Express’s commitment to delivering greater value and enhanced travel experiences to its passengers. The all-economy configuration is expected to increase seating capacity and optimize revenue per flight, contributing to the carrier’s long-term growth objectives. With these strategic changes, Air India Express is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the growing aviation market while meeting the evolving demands of a diverse and expanding customer base.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com