Air India to launch premium economy class on few long-haul flights: CEO&MD Campbell Wilson
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Mumbai: As the Tata group-owned airline looks for ways to increase both its market share and its worldwide network, its CEO Campbell Wilson announced on Saturday that premium economy class will be introduced on certain of its lengthy overseas flights starting next month. Wilson said the airline will raise its market share to at least 30% in both local and international flights during his remarks at an event hosted by the JRD Tata Memorial Trust here.
The airline is executing a long-term restoration plan, with the goal of growing its wide-body and narrow-body fleets as well as the worldwide network over the next five years, PTI reported.
"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 a 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.
In addition to restoring long-grounded aircraft, he said the airline has finalised leases for 30 additional aircraft being delivered over the next 12 months, starting next week, with more in the final stages of negotiation.
"Beyond these short-term additions, we are in deep discussion with Boeing, Airbus and engine manufacturers for a historic order of the latest-generation aircraft that will power Air India's medium and long-term growth. At the risk of gross understatement, the investment will be substantial," he said.
Tata group took over Air India in January this year.
