Air India revives long-grounded Boeing 777 after six years of inactivity

A Boeing 777-300ER once left idle for over six years has returned to service with Air India. The aircraft, registered as VT-ALL, took off again after an extensive revival programme led by the airline's engineering teams. This marks the final step in Air India's mission to restore all 30 grounded planes since the Tata Group reacquired the carrier in 2020.

VT-ALL was first taken out of operation in February 2020. The grounding followed persistent issues with ageing parts and multiple unserviceable systems. In April 2025, Air India launched a dedicated effort to bring the wide-body jet back into service as part of its long-haul expansion plans.

The restoration took place at Air India Engineering Services Ltd. (AIESL) in Nagpur. Teams worked nearly 24 hours a day to complete the overhaul. Over 3,000 new key components were fitted, and more than 4,000 maintenance tasks were performed. Major assemblies, including both engines and the landing gear, were replaced, alongside a full rebuild of the aircraft's systems. Every repair and replacement underwent rigorous testing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) supervised the process, with technical support provided by Boeing. Only after meeting all regulatory requirements was the plane cleared to resume flights. While specific routes for VT-ALL have not been confirmed, recent schedules show Boeing 777 operations on a Mumbai–Dubai–Delhi service. A Delhi–Paris (CDG) flight is also tracked for March 17, 2026.

The revival of VT-ALL completes Air India's goal of reactivating its entire grounded fleet. The airline now operates all 30 previously inactive aircraft, reinforcing its capacity for long-haul travel. The restored Boeing 777-300ER is set to support the carrier's expanding international network.