Air India To Introduce Premium Economy Class In Some Long Haul Flights Next Month

New Delhi: As part of expanding its market share as well as the global network, the Tata group-owned airline, Air India will be introducing premium economy class in some of its long-haul international flights next month, its chief Campbell Wilson said on Saturday.

In his speech at an event by the JRD Tata Memorial Trust, Wilson said the airline will increase its market share to at least 30 per cent in domestic and international routes.

“The short-term actions have been to replace carpets, curtains, seat cushions and covers. To fix defective seats and inflight entertainment systems as fast as supply chains will allow. And where parts are no longer available in the market, to work with the likes of Tata Technologies to design and manufacture parts ourselves.

“We’ve recently completely revamped the domestic inflight menu, and will be doing likewise, as well as launching premium economy on certain long haul international flights next month,” the Air India CEO and MD said.     According to Wilson, the airline has restored nearly 20 aircraft that had been grounded for years due to lack of parts and money. Leaving aside cabin interiors, this has required procuring over 30,000 parts that had been cannibalised over the years to keep other aircraft flying, he added.