The Maharaja decks up for a fresh launch

26 May 2007

The cabin has been upgraded with new economy class seats, cushions and upholstery, and also with a state-of-the-art i4000 Thales In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system installed on the back of every seat. The system has been installed on economy class seats as well, and will provide audio and video on-demand, as well as gaming and other interactive entertainment.

The jumbos will carry microwave ovens for business and first class galleys, and have been refurbished with brand new carpets.

The refurbishment will be done on all of Air India's six Boeing 747-400s. According to Air India officials, costs would have been higher by 60 per cent if the carrier had decided to outsource the refurbishment work.

"The prototype aircraft will be ready to take to fly on Wednesday," said V Thulasidas, chairman and managing director, Air India, after inspecting the progress on the refurbishment underway at the airline's hangar. According to Thulasidas, this is the first time that the carrier is undertaking such a major in-house overhaul of its passenger aircraft.

All first class and business class seats are being adjusted to accommodate the new in-flight entertainment system. These screens will have 415 gigabytes of content, which would be enough to provide nearly 200 movies in languages like English, French, Japanese, as well as some regional ones.

The refurbished aircraft will also have new overhead bins and side panels, a new ceiling, a fresh coat of paint for the side, cockpit and door trims and new galleys and toilets, which have been supplied by Jamco, a Japanese cabin interior equipment provider. Along with the interior scheme, Heath Tecna is providing components such as ceiling panels, trims and overhead bins, while Texas-based Weber Aircraft LP will be providing the seats.