Air India, under the Tata Group, has unveiled its first modified A320neo aircraft, featuring new and unique configurations aimed at enhancing passenger experience across its narrow-body fleet.
Air India announced through a social media post that it is ushering in a new era with its two refit A320neo planes.
These aircraft will offer a combination of Business Class (8 seats), Premium Economy (24 seats), and Economy Class (132 seats) on selected domestic and short-haul international flights.
Features of Air India’s Premium Economy Section
Air India’s revamped Premium Economy section includes updated features such as portable electronic device holders
and USB charging points, similar to amenities found in Vistara’s A320neo aircraft. Notably, Vistara, another Tata-owned airline, is set to merge with Air India by March 2025.
Future Plans for Air India’s Fleet
Looking ahead, Air India plans to integrate these modified aircraft into its full-service fleet by next year. Meanwhile, its low-cost subsidiary will continue to operate dual-class planes, with the business class cabin marketed as such.
Detailed Features of Air India’s Three Seating Categories
Business Cabin
1) Features 40-inch ergonomic seats with mood lighting, adjustable armrests, 7-inch deep recline, footrests, and backrests.
2) Includes a push-button tray table with expandable PED holder and multiple charging points.
Premium Economy Section
Offers 4-way headrests, wider seat pitch, 4-inch recline, PED holder, and USB charging ports.
Economy Class Seats
Provides a seat pitch of 28-29 inches with a 4-inch recline, along with PED holders and USB charging ports.
Premium Economy Class on Air India’s A350s
Since January, Air India has operated its A350s with a premium economy class on domestic routes, initially on the Delhi-Bengaluru sector
and expanding to include the Delhi-Chandigarh route. The airline anticipates increased passenger interest and higher ticket sales in this section.
Premium Economy Fares and Comparison
Premium economy fares on Air India are priced at approximately 1.3 to 1.7 times higher than economy class fares, varying by route:
1) Delhi-Bengaluru-Delhi: 1.5 times higher
2) Mumbai-Delhi-Mumbai: 1.3 times higher
3) Delhi-Hyderabad and Delhi-Kolkata: 1.3 to 1.7 times higher
Expansion of Seating Capacity
With the introduction of the modified A320neo, Air India’s seating capacity will increase from 162 to 164 seats, reflecting its ongoing efforts to enhance service offerings and accommodate more passengers.
