India (Commonwealth Union)_ Major changes are happening at Air India. It was recently reported that the airline has signed letters of intent to purchase 70 widebodies and 400 single-aisle aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. As a result, the airline is launching a fourth travel class known as Premium Economy. This makes the airline the first and only aircraft in India to provide passengers with four cabin classes: first, business, premium economy, and economy.
Passengers flying in Air India’s premium economy will be allowed to check in at specially designated fast-track airport terminals, where they will also be provided with priority tags to affix to their check-in baggage, and they will be allowed to board the carrier before economy-class passengers. The aircraft will feature a distinct, spacious cabin with wider luxury couches for passengers. The premium economy cabin of Air India’s Boeing 777-200LR is furnished with 48 leather-upholstered memory foam seats measuring 19 inches in width, 38 inches in pitch, and 5 inches in recline. It also features adjustable leg supports, footrests, and headrests with wings.
Air India has begun accepting reservations for its Premium Economy cabin for travel beginning May 15, 2023. The cabin will initially be offered to passengers flying on select itineraries served by its Boeing 777-200LR fleet. These routes include Bengaluru to San Francisco, Mumbai to New York, and Mumbai to San Francisco. Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, expressed optimism over the launch of the new cabin. He said, “The popularity of premium economy has grown among travelers around the world, as people are increasingly opting for upgraded, yet affordable flying experiences. We are delighted to introduce a distinctive premium economy experience for our customers on select flights for now, with a plan to extend it to many more routes soon, as we rapidly expand and modernize our fleet”. He added, “This is another step forward in our sincere, ongoing effort to transform Air India into a modern, global carrier of world-class products and service standards”.
Further, passengers in premium economy class will receive a TUMI amenity kit designed exclusively for Air India. The kit includes flight socks, an eye mask, Malin+Goetz lip moisturizer, a ballpoint pen, and slippers. In addition, noise-canceling headphones will also be provided to the passengers for use throughout the trip. There are also dining benefits onboard. At Air India’s premium economy class, customers will be given a welcome drink served on a silver tray, as well as a menu card listing three main meal options presented on a fine chinaware dish along with an appetizer and dessert. Further, the refreshments menu contains a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
