Categories: Travel

Air India 2nd Indian airline to offer Premium Economy cabin on narrow body aircraft, ET TravelWorld

Air India, India’s premier global airline, has introduced a new three-class configuration on its newly inducted narrowbody A320neo aircraft, enhancing the travel experience across domestic and short-haul international routes. The revamped aircraft will feature Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, offering passengers a wider choice and superior comfort.

Starting from July 1, Air India will offer Premium Economy on select domestic routes. The new A320neo aircraft will accommodate 8 seats in Business, 24 in Premium Economy, and 132 in Economy.

The two newly refitted A320neo aircraft, VT-RTW and VT-RTZ, will offer:
– Business Class: 8 luxurious seats with 40-inch pitch, 7-inch recline, adjustable armrests, footrests, and backrests. The seats include multiple charging ports, PED holders, and extendable tray tables.
– Premium Economy: 24 extra legroom seats with superior upholstery, four-way headrests, 32-inch pitch, 4-inch recline, and amenities like PED holders and USB charging ports. Premium Economy passengers will also enjoy upgraded meal options served in premium crockery and cutlery.
– Economy Class: 132 ergonomically designed seats with 28-29 inch pitch, 4-inch recline, PED holders, tray tables, USB charging ports, and coat hooks.

Fleet Upgrade Strategy
Air India plans to roll out the three-class configuration across its entire full-service narrowbody fleet over the next year. Existing aircraft are being progressively refitted, while new aircraft will be delivered with the new configuration.

Passengers flying from Jaipur to destinations in the United States will benefit from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi, ensuring a hassle-free immigration process. The new route is expected to attract more visitors to the UAE, allowing them to experience the exceptional facilities at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A, Etihad’s new home.

Commenting on the devlepment, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India, commented, “The introduction of a three-class cabin to Air India’s narrowbody fleet and the commencement of interior refits are important steps in our journey to enhance the flying experience. This upgrade complements the enhanced widebody experience available on our A350 fleet and new B777s. Our comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is a key component of transforming into a world-class airline.”The seats in all three cabins, customized by Collins Aerospace, offer unique ergonomic contouring and a patented comfort system to enhance passenger comfort. Each seat is equipped with literature pockets, charging ports, tray tables, and coat hooks.