Air India to Launch First-Class Seats on London and New York Routes
Air India is making significant strides in its global expansion by introducing first-class seats on its wide-body A350-1000 aircraft. The airline’s move is part of its broader strategy to enhance its market share on premium international routes, with London and New York being key destinations. This introduction of first-class service reflects Air India’s efforts to compete with leading global airlines, particularly on high-demand routes.
According to Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, first class remains an essential product for top-tier airlines, especially on key international routes like London and New York. “First class is not a product that is going away. Many of the top airlines are building next-generation first-class products, and we believe there are significant opportunities within our network to offer this service,” Aggarwal explained during a recent media briefing. This move underscores Air India’s ambition to position itself as a premium global airline, providing high-end services on select routes. Aggarwal added that first-class products are aspirational, not only serving to elevate the airline’s standing but also driving demand from affluent passengers seeking luxury and comfort. The introduction of first-class seats on the A350-1000s is seen as an important step in Air India’s mission to provide more options for premium travellers.
The A350-1000 aircraft, expected to join the fleet within the next two years, will be equipped with between 325 and 400 seats. Some of these aircraft will feature first-class cabins, allowing Air India to compete directly with other international airlines on flagship routes. These wide-body planes are set to become a key part of Air India’s offering, especially for direct long-haul flights where first-class services are in high demand. Air India’s current fleet comprises 202 planes, including 67 wide-body aircraft such as the B777 and B787, which also feature first-class cabins. Despite some operational challenges with the legacy Boeing 777s, including delays and technical issues on ultra-long-haul flights, Aggarwal assured that the airline is carefully managing the deployment of these aircraft and ensuring operational efficiency. The airline is also beginning a retrofit process for the Boeing 777 fleet, which will include updated interiors to align with its premium aspirations.
In addition to fleet enhancements, Air India is also working on improving its corporate product and loyalty programs. Aggarwal highlighted that the merger with Vistara has allowed the airline to enhance its offerings and create a better travel experience, particularly for metro-to-metro routes. The airline is also expanding its loyalty program to include customers of Air India Express, which is expected to strengthen customer retention and satisfaction. Air India’s commitment to expanding its global reach and improving its services is evident in its strategic plans to grow its fleet, add premium offerings, and enhance passenger experience. As the airline continues to position itself as a global competitor, the introduction of first-class services on select international routes like London and New York is expected to significantly elevate its status in the international aviation market. With a focus on providing luxury, comfort, and an exceptional travel experience, Air India is setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in its global expansion journey.