New Delhi: In a survey on global airlines with poor business class service, Air India has not covered itself in glory.
The Tata-owned airline has received a score of 7.4 out of 10 to be ranked fourth in the latest survey conducted by UK-based agency Bounce.
The factors considered to evaluate the world’s worst airlines for business-class travellers were cabin and seat comfort, in-flight service, entertainment and amenities.
Air India’s consolation is that three airlines have been found to be worse than them vis-à-vis business class service. They are — EgyptAir (5.71), Copa Airlines (6.71) and Kuwait Airways (7).
As for best business-class facilities, Singapore Airlines topped the list with a score of 9.57, followed by Qatar Airways (9.43) and Oman Air (9.29).
The survey found Air India’s cabin seats to be the biggest problem, getting a score of 6/10. As for remaining services like in-flight entertainment, cuisine, airport experience and beverages, Air India received a rating of 7/10.
“For each airline, we looked at reviews from BusinessClass.com (a travel search engine), which gives each airline a score out of ten on the factors like airport experience, cabin and seat cuisine, beverages, service entertainment amenities and facilities… reviews were available taking an average of all seven scores for each airline,” stated Bounce.
The next survey should see the Indian carrier in a better light as Air India — taken over by Tata Group two years ago — is in ‘work in progress’ mode. Tata Group is upgrading the airline across all aircraft types. The upgrade would mean new seats across all classes.
The 40 legacy Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft are being upgraded by completely replacing seats and entertainment systems. The company will also commence upgrading 41 A320 aircraft.
The airline is also working with US-headquartered Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), a -renowned hospitality interior design firm, to refurbish Air India lounges.
