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For decades, Air India has stuck to the traditional three-class configuration of economy, business and first class with the first two on its narrowbodies. However, change is in the air at the flag carrier, so check out the cabins available on Air India now.
Before you check in, it’s important to note that Air India’s recent privatization means cabin offerings will change in the near future. The carrier has pledged to spend $400 million refurbishing the cabins on 27 of its 787 Dreamliners and 13 of its 777s, so expect to see something new over the next 18 months. Meanwhile, passengers will find some exciting new offerings as 11 chartered 777s join the fleet this year.
First class
Starting from the front of the plane, we have a first class experience on Air India that is only available on Boeing 777s (except for two). Most aircraft feature only one row at the front of the plane, ensuring a more intimate flight experience and personalized service. With four seats in a 1-2-1 layout, it’s not the most luxurious cabin in the skies, but it’s a step up from business class, as we’ll soon see.
Air India’s three new 777s offer eight first-class seats spread across two rows, taking away the one-row privacy that other airlines have come to expect. The cabin is now over 15 years old, and is starting to show its age, especially with the IFE and internals.
Like other airlines, Air India will take the first step in refurbishing the cabin next year. It is not yet known how many planes will get the new first class, the business class will be the most popular cabin. However, at least expect to see an industry-standard product very soon.
Department of Commerce (Heritage)
With 43 widebodies, Business Class is a popular offering on Air India. On 27 787-8s, the cabin is laid out in a 2-2-2 configuration (a total of 18 seats), while the 777s have a 2-3-2 configuration (a total of 35 seats) with the dreaded middle seat. . While these numbers make the cabin look interesting, it does have some advantages.
On the Dreamliner, an ottoman in front of each seat gives you plenty of room to stretch out and sleep without the restrictive cubicles found on most modern airplanes. However, the same can’t be said for the 777, whose aging angle-flat business seat has long been defunct as the industry norm.
Recent changes have made the product more attractive, with Tata working diligently to repair damaged seats and rapidly raising service levels in terms of catering and team training. However, the 777 Business Class still lags behind its peers, especially on ultra-long-haul service to the United States.
Business Unit (Rented)
If you’re a lucky passenger on Air India’s ultra-long-haul flight to San Francisco, you might be greeted by the carrier’s first two leased 777-200LRs. These planes have since been retired from Delta Air Lines, but they feature the new Delta One suites in business class. At least three more of these jets are set to join the fleet by mid-2023, so expect more North American routes to get the cabin.
Photo: Delta Air Lines News Center
The cabin remains unchanged, so keep an eye out for this pair of jets when you fly West Coast to India on Air India soon.
Economy department
When it comes to the most popular cabin, the economy class on Air India is a fairly standard affair. Seats have a USB port and power point to charge your device (although there’s no WiFi) and catch a nap. However, the 3-3-3 layout on the 787, which is 33 inches long and 17 inches wide, is far from comfortable. Fortunately, AI stuck with the 3-3-3 on the 777s, which provided an inch more width and pitch.
Photo: Pranjal Pande Easy Flight
Once again, the aging IFE on the cabin and the interior give it a dated feel, although the carpeted floors are a nice touch in the plane. Fortunately, these exact things will change in an upcoming update, so get ready for a competitive product soon.
Coming soon: Premium Economy
While Air India may be a three-tier airline for now (bar leased jets), it will add premium economy as part of its cabin overhaul next year. This is not surprising given the industry trend, but it gives the service provider an opportunity to improve its offerings as it enters a new era.
Have you flown to India recently? In which cabinet? Let us know in the comments.
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Indian water
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- AI/AIC
- Airline Type:
- Full service provider
- Contact(s):
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Year of Establishment:
- In 1946
- Combination:
- Star Alliance
- General Manager:
- Campbell Wilson
- Country:
- India
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