Air India, India’s premier global airline, is making premium travel more accessible with the expansion of its Premium Economy Class across 39 domestic routes, reinforcing its position as India’s only airline offering three-class seating. Driven by a 100% increase in premium seat sales over the past three years, the airline has responded with an ambitious expansion, enhancing comfort, service, and accessibility for travelers seeking affordable luxury.
With over 50,000 weekly Premium Economy seats, the airline now caters to key metro routes like Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Bengaluru, Delhi-Hyderabad, Mumbai-Bengaluru, and Mumbai-Hyderabad, where demand for enhanced travel experiences has surged. This initiative is part of Air India’s broader Vihaan.AI transformation plan, which focuses on elevating service standards, fleet upgrades, and seamless connectivity across India and beyond.
The Premium Economy experience is tailored for travelers who seek an upgraded journey without the steep Business Class price tag. Offering perks like priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, enhanced dining, and extra legroom, Air India’s latest expansion aims to redefine domestic air travel in India.
The Rise of Premium Economy: A Shift in Indian Air Travel
India’s aviation landscape has seen a significant shift in consumer preferences, with an increasing number of passengers opting for a premium travel experience. This shift is driven by India’s growing middle class, rising disposable income, and an evolving preference for comfort and efficiency.
Premium Economy bridges the gap between Business and Economy Class, offering a blend of affordability and exclusivity. Air India’s latest initiative ensures that more domestic travelers can experience a superior flying experience without exorbitant fares.
The airline has introduced limited-period Premium Economy fares starting at INR 599 above standard Economy tickets, making the upgrade more accessible than ever. Pricing varies based on route and demand, ensuring competitive fare structures that appeal to a wider audience.
Expanding Premium Economy: Over 65,000 Seats Weekly by 2025
The ongoing retrofit of 27 legacy Airbus A320 aircraft will further enhance Air India’s Premium Economy offerings. These aircraft, being upgraded to a three-class configuration, will increase Premium Economy seats by 30%, pushing the weekly count beyond 65,000 seats.
These retrofitted A320s feature:
Brand-new seating across all cabins
Upgraded interiors for enhanced comfort
Expanded route coverage across domestic and short-haul international destinations
This fleet enhancement is integral to Air India’s long-term vision of offering a world-class travel experience, catering to both business and leisure travelers who value extra space, priority services, and an elevated inflight experience.
Unparalleled Perks of Flying Air India’s Premium Economy
Air India’s Premium Economy is designed for travelers who seek a more comfortable and seamless journey. Key benefits include:
Dedicated cabin space with fewer seats, offering a quieter and relaxed ambience
Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling for a hassle-free airport experience
Wider seats with superior upholstery, featuring 32-inch seat pitch and 4-inch recline for maximum comfort
Complimentary seat selection across the Premium Economy cabin
Enhanced inflight dining experience, with hot gourmet meals served on premium chinaware
These amenities make Air India’s Premium Economy the only offering of its kind in India, raising the bar for domestic air travel and competing with global premium airline experiences.
Seamless Inflight Entertainment with Vista Stream
Beyond physical comfort, Air India ensures that its passengers stay entertained throughout their journey. The airline has introduced Vista Stream, a wireless inflight entertainment system available across its fleet (excluding the new Airbus A350 and upgraded Boeing 777 aircraft).
Passengers can access:
Over 1,000 hours of entertainment content
Movies, TV shows, music, and more on personal devices
A seamless digital experience without additional hardware
This next-gen entertainment offering elevates Air India’s onboard experience, ensuring that passengers remain engaged throughout their flights.
Air India’s Transformation Under Tata Group’s Vihaan.AI Plan
Since returning to Tata Sons in 2022, Air India has embarked on a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI, aimed at modernizing operations, enhancing customer experience, and expanding its global footprint.
The transformation includes:
A record-breaking order for 570 new aircraft, ensuring a modern and fuel-efficient fleet
Successful mergers of Vistara into Air India and AirAsia India into Air India Express, streamlining operations
The opening of South Asia’s largest aviation training academy, strengthening crew training and service excellence
A greenfield maintenance base, operational by 2026, ensuring top-tier fleet maintenance and safety
With fleet upgrades, improved inflight services, and aggressive expansion strategies, Air India is on track to becoming a global leader in aviation, combining Indian hospitality with world-class airline standards.
What Air India’s Premium Economy Expansion Means for Indian Aviation
The expansion of Premium Economy on 39 domestic routes signifies a major shift in Indian air travel. As competition intensifies in India’s aviation sector, Air India’s three-class configuration differentiates it from competitors, offering passengers more choice and value.
Key impacts of this expansion include:
Increased accessibility to premium travel for middle-class and business travelers
Competitive differentiation, setting Air India apart as India’s only full-service airline with Premium Economy
Stronger domestic connectivity, ensuring seamless travel experiences across key business and leisure hubs
By bridging the gap between affordability and exclusivity, Air India’s Premium Economy strengthens its position as a leader in Indian aviation, offering a globally competitive, yet distinctly Indian travel experience.
Book Now: Experience Affordable Luxury on Air India’s Premium Economy
For those seeking an upgraded travel experience without the premium Business Class fares, Air India’s Premium Economy is the perfect choice. With expanded route coverage, enhanced perks, and limited-time affordable fares, now is the ideal time to experience premium domestic travel in India.
Whether traveling for business or leisure, Air India’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and seamless service ensures an unparalleled journey.
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