DALLAS — India’s flag carrier has taken delivery of the first aircraft painted in its new livery. The aircraft is an Airbus A320neo, registration VR-RTN, and touched down in Delhi for the first time yesterday. 

The new livery comes as part of a makeover for the Delhi-based carrier after an acquisition from the TATA group. It joins AI’s Airbus A350, the first aircraft to be painted in such a livery, having been delivered in December and set to be on display in July at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. 

The Airbus A320neo narrow-body was the 46th of the type to Join AI’s fleet but only the fourth to operate in a three-class configuration. These are economy, business class, and premium economy, with the latter containing 24 seats. 

The Vihaan.AI Initiative

Beginning early next year, Air India (AI) plans to refurbish the entirety of its fleet, which consists of replacing the cabins and giving most of the aircraft a fresh coat of paint. This particular aircraft is slated to begin operations in August of this year, primarily operating on domestic routes. 

The revamp of the airline comes under the flag carrier’s Vihaan.AI initiative, which aims to make AI a world-class carrier. This was outlined in early 2022 after the company was repurchased into TATA ownership, ending 69 years of government ownership. 

This program is set to last five years, having already completed the first phase, taxi. Air India’s most notable actions in this phase have included breaking the record for the largest aircraft order in history. This included 210 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, 40 Airbus A350s, 190 Boeing 737 MAXs, 20 Boeing 787-9s, and 10 Boeing 777-9s. 

Air India’s new livery is just another step in restoring the airline to its glory. Whether through onboard service or routes and operation strategies, it's clear that more change is due for the South-Asian airline.