Air India's first retrofitted Boeing 787-8 aircraft, identified as VT-ANT, landed in Delhi after a nine-month refurbishment in California. This aircraft is the first of 26 to undergo a significant upgrade as part of a $400 million fleet retrofit program. The refurbishment introduces a new three-class seating configuration, increasing Business Class seats to 20 and adding 25 Premium Economy seats, while reducing total capacity slightly to 250 seats. The retrofitted aircraft will commence operations on the Delhi–London Heathrow route starting May 1, 2026, enhancing Air India's premium offerings. Despite initial plans for a December 2025 return, delays have pushed the timeline back by approximately three and a half months. As Air India continues to modernize its fleet, the airline is also facing challenges such as geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions, which could impact operational efficiency. The company is working on its transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, with a focus on standardizing passenger experience and improving fare competitiveness.