This week, Air India has revealed the details of its transformation. In addition to unveiling new branding (including a new livery and logo), the airline has finally pulled back the curtains on its new inflight experience. Air India is introducing four new cabins, ranging from first class to economy. Let’s go over the details.
In this post:
A look at Air India’s new long haul cabins
Air India has published a roughly two minutes video showcasing the cabins of the carrier’s reconfigured Boeing 777s, though these interiors will also be found on other aircraft (I’ll discuss more details of that below). In addition to new seats, also note that Air India will be introducing all-new inflight entertainment, as well as Wi-Fi, throughout its long haul fleet.
Below you can find that video, and then below I’ll discuss the details of each cabin.
Air India’s new first class
Air India will be maintaining first class on some long haul aircraft, though manage your expectations. The carrier’s first class product will be based on the Safran Unity seat, the same found in business class. Air India will have a single row of first class, in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat will be fully flat and will have a door.
What differentiates the first class hard product from the business class hard product? It looks like first class will have a larger television screen, plus a larger ottoman.
It’s interesting to see that Air India is choosing to maintain first class, but isn’t actually investing in a competitive product. I suppose the airline is focused on efficiency and figured it could offer first class without much of an opportunity cost in terms of seating capacity, though this very much seems to fall into the “why bother” category, and seems like an afterthought.
This feels to me more like a business class “plus” product, like what you’ll find on Condor or Virgin Atlantic, rather than a first class product.
I suppose we’ll see if Air India introduces some astonishingly good soft product to go along with it, but that hasn’t historically been the case. This cabin is a bit of a head-scratcher to me, unlike the rest of the plane, which looks great.
Air India’s new business class
Now this is where it gets exciting. In business class, Air India has chosen the Safran Unity seat, meaning seats will be in a 1-2-1 configuration. This is a staggered configuration, so seats in some rows are closer to the aisle, while seats in other rows are closer to the windows.
Seats are fully flat with direct aisle access, and even have a privacy door. You can expect these seats to have great tech, including wireless charging and bluetooth audio.
This represents an absolutely massive improvement over Air India’s current business class. For what it’s worth, this is the same product that Qantas has chosen for its Airbus A350-1000s, which will fly the world’s longest routes.
Air India’s new premium economy
Air India will finally be introducing a premium economy product throughout the long haul fleet. This will be in a 2-4-2 configuration. While the first and business class seats have fairly neutral finishes, the premium economy and economy seats are red, so have a bit more “personality.”
We don’t yet have too many more details about the premium economy product, other than that there will be seat back televisions and leg rests.
Air India’s new economy
Air India will also be introducing a new economy product. There’s ultimately only so much innovation we see in economy, though this looks reasonably decent.
The one catch is that on Boeing 777s, the airline will be going from a 3-3-3 configuration, to a 3-4-3 configuration. That’s not unexpected, though, since that’s the industry standard, and economy also has the most price sensitive customers. It’s an area where it’s smart for Air India to focus on cost.
Which planes will get Air India’s new cabins, and when?
When can we expect to see these new Air India cabins?
- Starting in 2024, newly delivered Air India wide body jets (including Airbus A350-900s) will feature the new cabins; interestingly Air India’s first A350-900 delivery will happen in late 2023, and that’s a plane that was designed for Aeroflot, so it will feature different interiors (similar to what I just experienced on Turkish Airlines)
- Air India will be reconfiguring all of its existing Boeing 777s and 787s, and they’ll also get these new cabins; you can expect that project to start in mid 2024, and to take around 2.5 years
Therefore you can expect these new cabins to be introduced as of some point in 2024. It remains to be seen if a newly delivered aircraft or a reconfigured aircraft sports the new interiors first. Meanwhile the first aircraft to feature the new livery will be an A350 delivered in late 2023.
Since there are four new cabins, can we expect all of those cabins on all of those planes, or what will that look like?
- Air India is definitely installing all four cabins (including first class) on reconfigured 777-300ERs
- It hasn’t yet been confirmed if other aircraft, including the A350 and 787, will feature first class
- All long haul aircraft will feature premium economy going forward
My take on Air India’s new passenger experience
I’m really impressed by the way that Air India is reinventing itself here. The airline now clearly has a strategy, and has fantastic new interiors, with plans for Wi-Fi and upgraded entertainment. If the airline can actually follow through on all of this, it will perhaps be the greatest airline turnaround of all time.
Now, personally I find the new first class rather underwhelming, but that’s minor in the scheme of things, and will impact few passengers. The new business class looks great, by comparison (well, because it’s basically the same).
With everything that has been outlined so far, I think the biggest question is whether Air India can improve its soft product in a similar way to how we’re seeing the hard product improved. Can Air India introduce great inflight catering and amenities? Can the airline deliver excellent service?
Air India has some “legacy” issues, as we see with airlines in the United States as well. You can install new seats all you want, but it doesn’t necessarily change the soft product.
I’m rooting for Air India here, as I’d love to see the airline become one that people fly not just for schedule, but for product.
Bottom line
Air India has now revealed the details of its new interiors, including all new cabins. Most impressive is Air India’s new business class, which consists of fully flat seats with direct aisle access and doors. The airline is using the same product in first class, which seems like an odd choice. Air India will also be introducing premium economy for the first time on one of its own jets, and is introducing new economy seats.
You can expect the first Air India aircraft with the new interiors to be flying in 2024. Well done, Air India… now let’s just get these planes into service!
What do you make of Air India’s new long haul interiors?
The first-class seats on Air India’s (B777-200 & B777-300) cabins are (3.05 inches) wider and (12.0 inches & 4.0 inches) longer (respectively) than the business class seats, according to the seat guru.
The real question is whether they can keep these seats maintained.
I think this short-term, largely "off-the-shelf" refresh is a fantastic idea. Even this amount of change is seismic given how far behind the current AI product is (and worse, the state of that product). Put this in, keep it for about a decade, and then roll out your actual industry-leading competitor product. In the meantime, the goal will likely be to improve the impression...
The real question is whether they can keep these seats maintained.
I think this short-term, largely "off-the-shelf" refresh is a fantastic idea. Even this amount of change is seismic given how far behind the current AI product is (and worse, the state of that product). Put this in, keep it for about a decade, and then roll out your actual industry-leading competitor product. In the meantime, the goal will likely be to improve the impression of the AI product and brand (which also is likely why there is no hint of "India" or anything about the current AI in the new livery or cabin -- just a full divorce from current perception).
But yeah, if the seats, doors, and planes start falling into disrepair again... well, then all forward progress will get erased again.
Air India I have no doubt will become world class. For us living in Europe and North America, it’s sad to see how far behind we’ve fallen when it comes to service and quality in the airline industry. I’m embarrassed every time I see the colours of the US flag and the Union Jack on AA and BA metal - countries that I call home. Absolutely pathetic that such airlines get away with the painful...
Air India I have no doubt will become world class. For us living in Europe and North America, it’s sad to see how far behind we’ve fallen when it comes to service and quality in the airline industry. I’m embarrassed every time I see the colours of the US flag and the Union Jack on AA and BA metal - countries that I call home. Absolutely pathetic that such airlines get away with the painful service and products they offer. Surely our flagship carriers can be a touch better and more competitive to the Asian airlines if AI can make such dramatic changes.
I have so many fond memories of many flights with AI in the 5 years leading up to the Tata takeover. The staff was so wonderful and welcoming despite being hampered by lack of investment and inability to make decisions. Looking forward to the new AI.
Recently flew ORD-DEL-HYD very last minute for work trip and had to use AI and flew in J. The positives were all flights on time, in flight service was pretty good and food was excellent. The plane itself needed some work as it was a bit old but flat seats and relative clean. Certainly leagues above where this airline was 3 years ago and what I noticed was ALOT of energy from the crew about...
Recently flew ORD-DEL-HYD very last minute for work trip and had to use AI and flew in J. The positives were all flights on time, in flight service was pretty good and food was excellent. The plane itself needed some work as it was a bit old but flat seats and relative clean. Certainly leagues above where this airline was 3 years ago and what I noticed was ALOT of energy from the crew about things to come. They had printed menus, a nice amenity kit and the crew was quite nice. Passengers also seemed nicer since there was a kind of happiness from the crew that is different from the past. I think, like all things in India, will be a "let's see" approach- lots of potential here and what seems to be a lot of pride in things to come.
Of course the new seating is fantastic and pleasant. Can feel more proud of the airline which has been my choice even with the old seating because of the flying time to USA.
Having a first helps in privacy in long haul for the public or vip figures as an alternative to private jet. Business on long haul needs immediate improvement for the price being charged. On a factor of earning public respect and loyalty a standard pricing is preferable than an opportunity pricing, reasonably positioned, at least for B class. Else it leaves a negative feeling and a hunt for better alternative. Food can get better with...
Having a first helps in privacy in long haul for the public or vip figures as an alternative to private jet. Business on long haul needs immediate improvement for the price being charged. On a factor of earning public respect and loyalty a standard pricing is preferable than an opportunity pricing, reasonably positioned, at least for B class. Else it leaves a negative feeling and a hunt for better alternative. Food can get better with options and quantity, and a small place to stretch with open snacks and drinks for long haul certainly helps for making new friends and conversation.
Seems like any post on AI brings about comments from individuals with serious mental health issues or those suffering from an Anglo-centric inferiority complex.
I’m pleased with the changes. Definitely would prefer flying AI to any U.S. or European carrier given the hard product improves. It would be especially great not to have to experience the misery of North American carriers when needing to fly directly to the subcontinent.
I sense good things ahead for AI, led by a responsible and respected brands such as Tata.
But at the end it's still Air india
Take a note Air India of those who have written comments to urinate and dedicated on this marvellous new product and BAN them from flying with you! To those that write such comments, GROW UP!!!
Don't worry,passengers will still find a way to Krap/pee on you. It is in the Genes!
@Ben, your "report" function doesn't work. Once you click on a comment as "Inappropriate", the submit button doesn't work.
Average racist Western guy comments whenever they see a non-western airline do better.
Shows how far Qantas under Alan Joyce has fallen when their hero product is in line with Air India
Look at the positive side of it. I would rather see it as shows how strongly Air India is rising such that their hard product is in line with world carriers such as "Qantas".
In all fairness, Qantas is not a significant benchmark to compare with. It’s footprint is going to be way smaller, Australia’s traffic projections are nowhere near India and there’s nothing noteworthy about their plans except ‘project sunrise’ which is just a simple case of capacity optimisation to fly longer. Rebrandings are about future, so this isn’t old AI vs Qantas or whatever. AI is material to global aviation. Qantas is not.
Instead of Red in economy they should use purple or dark blue seat which over the period of time doesnt look bad like delta but red mostly looses it shine
Then you should be writing that to Air India?
The new seats looks nice. Can't wait to piss all over them
Ben,
Regarding your comments on the First cabin.
There is a large segment of Indians that need to fly F for their egos, so minimal differentiation is actually a very clever move on AI's part.
They can sell F seats to them, and the customers can tell their friends they only fly F, that's all those customers really care about.
Meanwhile AI can plausibly use the F cabin as J if they don't sell...
Ben,
Regarding your comments on the First cabin.
There is a large segment of Indians that need to fly F for their egos, so minimal differentiation is actually a very clever move on AI's part.
They can sell F seats to them, and the customers can tell their friends they only fly F, that's all those customers really care about.
Meanwhile AI can plausibly use the F cabin as J if they don't sell the seats given the seat is nearly identical.
I'm sure AI will offer a better soft product in F, but whether it is substantially better is to be seen.
What you said can apply to pretty much any nationality on any airline with first class...
It's ominous IMO that the promotional shots of the F seats in bed mode do not feature bedding of any sort. This (along with superior F&B) is the prime area where the F seat can be differentiated from the J package.
I hope that they are also adding an opex budget to keep the maintenance regular on these.
That's where I see/hear about the most problems with AI. A broken screen here, a seat that won't recline there, it gets pretty bad over a couple of years.
That's one place I like Delta, I see hard product that's evidently ancient in some of their aircraft but well maintained.
Strangely dull and sterile with the design.
I just recently flew Air India in Business from TLV to DEL and the soft product was great, there was amenity kits, pajamas, and slippers from Tumi. Food and drinks were presented beautifully and the service was on par with business class service received on European airlines it was definitely better then service in Business on US carriers, so it seems like there soft product has already changed dramatically.
Looks like they just ripped off designs from a few different aviation companies. Logo/Livery looks first reminded me of Unifi Aviation, First class seat covers look a lot like AF, Business Class seat covers look like UA's, Economy looks like Virgin Atlantic.
That is actually because airlines usually don’t make their own seats with a few exceptions. They mostly use seats like the Recaro CL3710 seat (the one Air India is featuring in the new cabin along with dozens of other airlines although it could be the newer generation CL3810) or the Safran Unity seat (the one that Air India and Qantas uses) or the Recaro PL3530 which Air India & Emirates uses in their new premium economy cabins.
Meh, I am not impressed with these seats. I'd prefer to take the ME Airlines if I visit India.
This just feels like a big missed opportunity across different areas to represent the country better. While far from dated
, it does have a tinge of randomness associated with family run enterprises in India.
There’s diversity in colors in India but they opted for bling with not a whole lot of either flag colors or experimenting with hues. Vistara or even Jet Airways were stylishly understated vs these ‘in your face’ designs....
This just feels like a big missed opportunity across different areas to represent the country better. While far from dated
, it does have a tinge of randomness associated with family run enterprises in India.
There’s diversity in colors in India but they opted for bling with not a whole lot of either flag colors or experimenting with hues. Vistara or even Jet Airways were stylishly understated vs these ‘in your face’ designs.
Also, while first class may be used by a small percentage of people, it would represent a big footprint given the number of planes on order. With where airlines are headed, this may eventually become one of the bigger first class footprints out there. So not giving QR or ANA a run for their money feels like a miss. Not sure how much further innovation we’ll get to see in first class in the industry.
Lastly, rationally sound but sad to see 3-3-3 go as it was one of the few massive competitive advantages legacy AI had. Good luck to the team with the fresh face!
Looks like the big difference between F and J is that the F seat doesn’t have a footwell - you get a full bed to toss and turn on. I would imagine bedding, food, on ground service (like escort) will be better in F. So does the trick for India. F basically exists just for LHR and US routes (SFO/NYC). Allows corporate types, celebrities to get more privacy. So I think it is smart that...
Looks like the big difference between F and J is that the F seat doesn’t have a footwell - you get a full bed to toss and turn on. I would imagine bedding, food, on ground service (like escort) will be better in F. So does the trick for India. F basically exists just for LHR and US routes (SFO/NYC). Allows corporate types, celebrities to get more privacy. So I think it is smart that hey are maintaining. Also upgrades for top tier FF that buy non discounted J is a boon that AI needs to offer to pull in those flyers away from ME3/EU.
It will be interesting to see if Air India eventually offers First Class to LHR. Currently, they fly 787-8s to LHR (all flights I believe), and they only offer First Class on 77L and 77W aircraft. I don't know if this is because there isn't demand (with their current product), or if it's because they operate smaller planes to LHR (with a focus on frequency).
AI until recently scheduled 77W to LHR regularly on some frequencies and those have F (still do swaps from 787s). Besides, with the number of wide bodies on order, I have a hard time imagining that only LHR and/or US routes will retain F. Australia flights for example have seen great occupancy (with potential plans to start one from BOM).
These look nice in picture but the problem with seats like these are the constant maintenance because everything is automated. I forsee a lot of seats being out of service from breaking
AI will give AC a run for its money on flights out of Canada with their improved product.
Really? Don't get your hopes so high. The people sitting on those AI seats still need to go through a complete makeover.
On paper the cabins seem better than AC plus AC has a terrible soft product...but I've never heard of anyone impressed with Air India.
I think it would be more of a status thing , rather than the actual product as India is very big on class and what that means - distinguishing it from business class
Correct me if I am wrong.
By my count, B777-300ER new configuration.
4 first class
40 business class
44 premium economy
They could've gone with a subtle colour for Premium Economy & Economy, looks too gaudy especially economy.
I have to say I am not impressed by the PY seat. It's the exact same, unexciting, minimal recline seat that everyone else uses. We've really only seen carriers like Qantas and Emirates innovate here. Honestly, I don't think I'd pay a premium for a PY seat - essentially a domestic first class seat - over a regular Y seat these days. I won't sleep better, the food typically isn't much of an upgrade, and the service is often the same as in Y.
Ben, this will be a great turnaround. I'm very hopeful - with the might of the entire TATA group behind it, and even the Govt of India supporting it subtly from the sidelines, you will see a very impressive AI in coming years. I'm sure the MEB3 will be watching this very closely. Don't be surprised to see some shocking partnerships in coming months. Cheers!
I am a bit confused, is the first class cabin is the same seat as business, ie it is identical? Or is it similar to Virgin Atlantic's larger business seats on the a330 where you can have a dining companion sit on the ottoman for a drink, dinner etc?
@ JK -- Sorry, just updated the post to add that info. Thanks for bringing that up.
Thanks Ben! It's amazing to see how much of a leap forward they are making in their hard product, regular travellers on AI who don't follow airlines news will surely be stunned when they board their first flight with these cabins. Similar reactions may happen when Air NZ pax see their new business suites after those narrow herringbone seats circa 2002. I thought Air Canada were a bit late in the game removing their 'coffin class pews' but Air NZ are taking forever.