Air India has announced a policy change, effective April 1st, requiring all staff, including top management, to travel in economy class. This move aims to free up premium seats for paying customers, addressing concerns about flight delays and enhancing the airline’s customer-centric approach.
Policy changes by Air India
The decision, confirmed by an Air India spokesperson, comes as the airline strives to improve its image and optimise seat utilisation. According to a The Times of India report, staff upgrades to premium economy or business class will only be considered if those seats remain unsold 50 minutes before departure.
Reason for Policy Change
“With this, we want to ensure that our premium seats… for which we are seeing huge demand – are available for booking to our customers first, demonstrating a culture of customer-centricity in the new Air India,” the spokesperson stated.
The airline’s efforts to revamp its operations are part of a broader plan to solidify its position in the competitive aviation sector. Recent reports, including one from Reuters, indicate Air India is exploring a multi-billion dollar order for widebody jets from Boeing and Airbus, further signaling its commitment to expansion and modernization.
This policy shift underscores Air India’s commitment to prioritising customer needs in the rapidly expanding Indian aviation market. India’s domestic air passenger traffic has witnessed substantial growth, averaging 10-12% annually over the past decade, highlighting the increasing demand for air travel.
Since its acquisition by the Tata Group in 2022, Air India has embarked on an ambitious turnaround strategy. This includes the merger with Vistara, a joint venture between the Tatas and Singapore Airlines, and substantial investments in new aircraft, logo redesigns, and fleet interior upgrades.
(With Reuters Inputs)