With the introduction of premium economy seats on narrow body aircraft, Air India will become only the second Indian airline to have a three-class cabin—business, premium economy, and economy—in India. Currently, another Tata group airline—Vistara—is the only Indian carrier to offer premium economy seats on narrow body aircraft.
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Tata group’s flagship airline Air India will be introducing premium economy seats and an upgraded cabin on select flights from July 1, kicking off the carrier’s aim to have a three-class cabin configuration on its entire narrow body aircraft fleet that is used to operate domestic and short-haul international flights. The airline does have the premium economy cabin on a few of its wide body aircraft that are mostly deployed to operate international flights.
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Cabin refit and upgradation and the introduction of premium economy class are parts of Air India’s product transformation plan. Over the years, Air India had developed a reputation of having run-down aircraft cabins and an ageing fleet.
“Air India has refitted two new A320neo aircraft…in a three-class configuration featuring 8 luxurious seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests. With this, Air India introduces Premium Economy cabins for the first time on narrowbody aircraft,” the airline said in a release on Wednesday.
The two aircraft that will have a three-class cabin configuration from July 1 will cumulatively operate 10 daily flights between Delhi and Bengaluru and Delhi and Chandigarh.
Air India’s existing aircraft are being progressively inducted for interior refit, while new aircraft joining the fleet will be delivered with the configuration and upgraded interiors.
“The introduction of a three-class cabin to Air India’s narrowbody fleet and commencement of interior refits are important steps in the journey of enhancing the flying experience. The upgrade of the narrowbody fleet…complements the upgraded widebody experience now available on our A350 fleet and new B777s, and on all other widebodies as they are refitted over the next two years. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of transforming into a world-class airline,” Air India’s Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson said.
According to the airline, its all-new premium economy cabin on narrow body aircraft provides larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way headrest, wider 32-inch seat pitch with a four-inch recline, and other amenities such as a portable electronic device (PED) holder and a charging port. Passengers flying premium economy will have more meal options served in upgraded crockery and cutlery.
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“The new Business cabins offer feature-rich 40-inch ergonomic seats with deep 7-inch recline, an adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest, a tray table deployed at the push of a button that includes a PED holder and is extendable and multiple charging ports. Industry-best seat upholstery on Business will provide maximum comfort and convenience to customers…Economy seats too are ergonomically designed with comfortable upholstery, 28-29-inch seat pitch, 4-inch recline and legroom and come with features such as a PED holder, tray table, USB charging port and a coat hook,” Air India said while listing features of its revamped business and economy class cabins.
