Air India is the latest airline to seek the “sweet spot” between comfort and price by adding premium economy to its Boeing 777 and 787 twin-aisle jets.
The all-new seat will launch from mid-2024 along with new first and business class offerings as part of a US$400 million transformation of Air India under new owners Tata Group and CEO Campbell Wilson.
“This refurbishment will include a complete overhaul of the existing cabin interior, including the addition of the latest generation seats and premium in-flight entertainment in all classes,” confirms the airline.
“Additionally, as part of the refurbishment, a premium economy cabin will be introduced in both fleets.”
London-based JPA Design will continue its expertise on what the airline has dubbed Project Vihaan, after the Sanskrit word for dawn, which also carries the symbolic meaning of ‘the beginning of a new age’.
The modular premium economy concept from JPA Design.
While perhaps better known in the airline industry for its business and first class portfolio, JPA has worked on premium economy for companies like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, developing its own “modular” premium economy concept.
Two seat storage treatments in JPA Design’s modular premium economy concept.
Air India is also planning a dramatic expansion of its fleet with a blockbuster order for up to 100 new Airbus or Boeing two-aisle jets, as well as “up to 400 narrow-body jets,” reports Reuters.
“These new aircraft, along with existing aircraft returning to service, address an immediate need for more capacity and connectivity and mark a major step forward,” said CEO Wilson.
While many airlines have traditionally resisted adding premium economy for fear of cannibalizing their business class market, more and more airlines see it as a lucrative upgrade option from economy class, particularly on long overnight routes.
Emirates is the latest company to add Premium Economy to its global fleet, although neighbor and rival Etihad Airways sees its Economy Space seats with more legroom as a smarter Premium Economy game.
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