Air India introduces premium economy cabin

Tata Group-owned Air India on Wednesday unveiled a three-class configuration on its newly inducted narrow-body aircraft. Air India’s A320neo aircraft will now offer a new Business, an all-new Premium Economy and a new Economy cabin experience on domestic and short-haul international routes.

Air India has refitted two new A320neo aircraft – VT-RTW and VT-RTZ – in a three-class configuration featuring 8 seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests.

With this, Air India has introduced Premium Economy cabins for the first time on narrow-body aircraft.

Air India has plans to introduce the three-class configuration to its entire full service narrow-body fleet over the next year. Existing aircraft are now being progressively inducted for refit, while new aircraft joining the fleet will be delivered with the new Air India experience, the full-service carrier says.

“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, which operates on domestic and short-haul international network, 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,” says Campbell Wilson, chief executive officer and managing director, Air India.

A distinct feature on Air India’s A320neo aircraft is mood lighting with planned illumination settings during take-off, landing, meal service, and even to celebrate India’s national days, the Tata-owned airline says.

The carrier says lighting is designed to enhance the overall in-flight experience, creating a subtle and soothing environment for guests to relax.

All seats are equipped with literature pockets, charging ports, tray table and coat hooks, the airline says.

“Subtle cabin mood lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others will contribute significantly to offer guests, in all three cabins, an inflight experience that is tailored to the needs of today’s discerning flyers,” the statement says.

The new Business cabins offer 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.

The all-new Premium Economy provides larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way headrest, wider 32-inch seat pitch with a 4-inch recline, and other amenities such as a PED holder and USB charging port. Premium Economy will offer more meal options, including delectable food and drink selection, served in upgraded crockery and cutlery.