Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov 19: As the Tata group-owned airline looks for ways to increase both its market share and 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 stated that the airline will raise its market share to at least 30% on both local and international routes during his remarks at an event hosted by the JRD Tata Memorial Trust.
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.
“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.
Wilson states that the airline has brought approximately 20 aircraft back into service that were on the ground for years owing to a lack of funds and parts. This has necessitated purchasing more than 30,000 parts that had been cannibalised over the years to keep other aircraft flying, he added, excluding cabin furnishings.
He said that the airline has finalised leases for 30 additional aircraft that will be delivered over the course of the next 12 months, beginning next week, in addition to restoring long-grounded aircraft, with more in the final stages of agreement.
“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.
