Air India to Introduce Premium Economy Class in Long-Haul International Flights: CEO

In an effort to provide passengers with the comfort of travelling overseas, Tata Group-owned Air India will soon introduce a premium economy class in certain long-haul flights beginning next month, i.e., December 2022.

Air India’s CEO and MD Campbell Wilson, at a JRD Tata Memorial Trust event, stated that the airline is implementing a long-term revival plan and that it aims to grow its wide-body and narrow-body fleets as well as expand its global network over the next five years.

He also stated that the airline will increase its market share on domestic and international routes to at least 30%.

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Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said;

“The short-term actions have been to replace carpets, curtains, seat cushions, and covers. To fix defective seats and inflight entertainment systems as fast as supply chains will allow. And where parts are no longer available in the market, to work with the likes of Tata Technologies to design and manufacture parts ourselves.”

Wilson further added that “We’ve recently completely revamped the domestic inflight menu, and will be doing likewise, as well as launching premium economy on certain long-haul international flights next month.”

Wilson claims that the airline has restored nearly 20 aircraft that had been grounded for years due to a lack of spare parts and funds. Aside from cabin interiors, this has necessitated the procurement of over 30,000 parts that had been cannibalised over the years in order to keep other aircraft flying, he added.

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In addition to restoring long-grounded aircraft, he stated that the airline has finalised leases for 30 additional aircraft, which will be delivered over the next 12 months beginning next week, with more in the final stages of negotiation.

“Beyond these short-term additions, we are in deep discussion with Boeing, Airbus, and engine manufacturers for a historic order of the latest-generation aircraft that will power Air India’s medium and long-term growth. At the risk of gross understatement, the investment will be substantial,” he added.

(With Inputs From PTI)