BENGALURU- Tata-owned FSC, Air India (AI), will undergo a major transformation under Tata Group’s leadership. The airline starts revamping its fleet with a strong focus on improving passenger comfort and service quality.
One of the key initiatives in this revamp is the introduction of modified seats across its fleet. The modified product is aimed at offering a better travel experience for both domestic and international flyers. The airline is implementing new seating configurations, premium comfort features, and enhanced soft products as part of its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Air India Refurbishments
To align with global airlines, Air India is set to reconfigure its fleet. This includes the Boeing 777s, 787 Dreamliners, and newly inducted Airbus A350s. These aircraft will feature improved reclining seats, better legroom, and advanced ergonomics to enhance passenger comfort.
For Business and First-class travelers, the airline is introducing full-flat seats with enhanced privacy. First and Business class will also have larger entertainment screens, and modernized dining tables. The Economy Class will also see improvements, including redesigned seats with extra padding, adjustable headrests, and more spacious layouts.
Furthermore, Premium Economy cabins are being introduced on Air India’s A320 fleet, ensuring that travelers on shorter routes also experience improved comfort. This move aligns with the airline’s ambition to compete with leading global carriers and provide a uniform, high-quality experience across all routes.
Focus on Passenger Comfort and Luxury
In addition to seat modifications, Air India is enhancing soft products to elevate the in-flight experience. The airline has rolled out:
- Luxury amenity kits from brands like Ferragamo and TUMI for Business and First-Class travelers, featuring high-end skincare essentials, eye masks, and socks.
- Memory foam mattress toppers and Egyptian cotton pillows to improve sleeping comfort on long-haul flights.
- Sustainable amenity kits in Economy Class, with reusable pouches, eco-friendly toothbrushes, and comfortable eye masks.
- Upgraded dining experiences with fine bone china tableware, premium cutlery, and an expanded menu of gourmet meals.
Additionally, Air India is partnering with luxury travel and lifestyle brands to offer passengers exclusive benefits, including shopping discounts and premium lounge access at key airports.
Enhancing International Competitiveness
With a 24% market share of India’s international air traffic, Air India is making significant efforts to strengthen its position in global markets. The airline faces tough competition from international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines, which have long dominated premium travel between India and global destinations.
To attract high-value passengers, Air India is:
- Establishing exclusive lounges at major hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, London, New York, and San Francisco.
- Expanding its long-haul network, focusing on routes to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
These upgrades are part of Air India’s strategy to regain market leadership and enhance customer loyalty. The airline has already observed an increase in business-class occupancy on certain international routes, particularly Delhi-London, following the introduction of its new Airbus A350 aircraft.
Air India still faces challenges. The refurbishment of older Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft has been slower than expected, leading to delays in full implementation of the new seating plans.
Additionally, the airline has received mixed reviews regarding on-time performance, with some flights experiencing operational delays.
However, Air India is actively addressing these concerns. Air India has accelerated fleet retrofitting, ensuring that all aircraft match the new service standards. The airline has also strengthened its operational efficiency, particularly in baggage handling and customer service response times.
The airline also believes that it will expand the availability of its upgraded services to all U.S. and European routes by early next year.
Air India’s decision to overhaul its fleet is a significant step toward modernizing the airline and delivering a superior passenger experience.
With new aircraft, premium seating, and enhanced amenities, the airline is set to compete with top global carriers. Air India aims to redefine air travel for Indian and international customers.
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