Mumbai: Air India Express has unveiled the upgraded cabin interiors of its Boeing 737 8 aircraft, marking a major step in its ongoing fleet modernisation and brand transformation under the Tata Group. The new cabin interiors were showcased at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday.

The retrofitted aircraft feature ergonomically designed synthetic leatherette seats with enhanced cushioning and wider armrests, offering improved comfort for passengers. Seat pitch ranges from 29 to 38 inches with a recline of up to 3 inches, ensuring ample legroom and relaxation during flights. USB-C charging ports are installed at every seat to meet the connectivity needs of digital-age travellers.

To further enhance the onboard experience, the cabin is outfitted with Boeing’s advanced Sky Interior lighting system, creating an ambient atmosphere that adjusts throughout the flight phases from takeoff to landing. Brand-new carpets refresh the cabin’s look, and redesigned overhead bins provide increased hand baggage storage.

In a first for the airline, ovens have been installed onboard to serve hot "Gourmair" meals, elevating in-flight dining beyond cold snacks. The meal offerings include a range of Indian and international cuisine, promising a premium experience.

The aircraft also sports distinctive Tsüngkotepsü-inspired tail art honouring the warrior heritage of the AoNagas from Nagaland, symbolising the airline's cultural diversity.

Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said all 50 white-tail Boeing 737-8 aircraft are slated for retrofit to a single-economy-class configuration with 189 seats by mid-2026. This adjustment will enhance passenger capacity equivalent to adding four new aircraft while reducing operating costs by approximately 15 per cent.

The airline currently operates about 500 daily flights across 60 destinations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, and plans to expand its fleet by 20 to 24 aircraft in 2026, depending on production and supply chain conditions.