After a lot of threats, the government has decided to extend the deadline, and won’t in fact require the airline to be privatized this month because clearly that’s not going to happen.
Instead they’re going to try and improve the performance of the airline and then disinvest in it. Easier said than done.
So I guess as their first step towards trying to improve Air India, the airline is apparently about to announce a new business class product and new uniforms.
As noted by Live from a Lounge, Air India will be unveiling revamped first and business class products this Friday, June 22, 2018. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation has announced that this new business class would be called Maharaja Business Class, though the changes go beyond that.
Airline officials said the latest makeover exercise would involve overhauling of a section of the first class and business class with an upgraded ambience, upholstery and other new features. The night kits would also come with a new look, they added.
Besides, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew would be introduced, they said.
According to the officials, the cabin crew of Boeing aircraft flying on the overseas routes would be sporting new uniform with a subtle western touch.
So it’s not entirely clear how substantial these changes would be. At first I assumed they’d be installing new seats altogether, which are much needed on the 777, but not as needed on the 787.
But it sounds like the changes may be more cosmetic than that based on them saying that they’re upgrading the ambience, upholstery and other new features.
It’s also somewhat confusing that they suggest that they’re overhauling a section of the first class and business class cabins.
Will Air India have first class, Maharaja first class, business class, and Maharaja business class? That sounds funny.
Air India says that they hope this will help their business class yields and improve market share because they currently have 17% international market share in India, and that they want to make the airline more customer-focused with enviable service.
They have a long way to go, to put it mildly.
So I commend the airline for trying to make improvements, though we’ll see in a couple of days how much substance there is behind them.
It Would be interesting to see the new designs. Currently, India-Europe and India-USA market is dominated by Middle East carriers.
Even the worst ME carrier is still far superior to Air India. I can’t see this helping them unless they manage to get a competitive product, price and friendly service, which is by far the biggest weakness at Air India.
For a country which has the best true 5 star hotels with such amazing hospitality, it is a real shame they can’t put together a stellar international airline.
Surely, that’s the difference between public and private sector industries.
Tourism Observer
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