Air India Enhances Metro-to-Metro Routes with Premium Cabin Options and Optimised Schedules
- All flights on five key metro-to-metro routes to be operated by erstwhile Vistara A320neo
- Choice of three cabin classes to be consistently available on the five routes
- Optimised frequency and departure times to offer maximum choice and flexibility
(IN SHORT) Air India has upgraded its domestic network, introducing premium cabin options on five key metro-to-metro routes following its integration with Vistara. Starting December 1, 2024, flights on these routes will exclusively feature former Vistara A320neo aircraft, offering Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. With over 1,000 weekly flights across the five routes, Air India has optimised schedules to provide frequent, evenly spaced departures. The upgraded aircraft promise a full-service experience, including complimentary meals, premium lounges, and advanced cabin interiors. This initiative reflects Air India’s commitment to enhancing its services and expanding its premium offerings.
(PRESS RELEASE) Gurugram, India, 2024-Dec-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Following the recent integration of Vistara into its operations, Air India has announced a strategic upgrade to its domestic route network, focusing on five key metro-to-metro routes. Starting December 1, 2024, these routes will exclusively feature former Vistara A320neo aircraft, offering three distinct cabin classes—Business, Premium Economy, and Economy—to deliver a superior flying experience.
The updated routes include:
- Delhi–Mumbai
- Delhi–Bengaluru
- Delhi–Hyderabad
- Mumbai–Bengaluru
- Mumbai–Hyderabad
Flights on these routes will operate with “AI”-prefixed four-digit flight numbers starting with “2,” such as AI2999 from Delhi to Mumbai. While frequency will remain high—with more than 1,000 weekly flights across the five routes—departure times will be spaced throughout the day to maximise convenience and flexibility for travellers.
Premium Cabin Experience and Optimised Fleet Deployment
The former Vistara A320neo aircraft boast a refined cabin layout, featuring 8 Business Class seats with 41-inch pitch, reclining functionality, and leg rests; 24 Premium Economy seats offering 33-inch pitch and extra recline; and 132 Economy Class seats with a comfortable 29-inch pitch. These aircraft reflect Air India’s commitment to providing a world-class, full-service experience, including complimentary hot meals, award-winning interiors, and premium lounge access at major airports.
CEO Highlights Benefits of Integration
Campbell Wilson, Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, remarked on the advantages of integrating Vistara’s strengths into Air India: “The merger has opened up exciting opportunities to elevate our customer offering. By deploying the best narrowbody cabins on these high-demand routes, we are consolidating a premium full-service product. As we induct new aircraft and complete retrofits of our existing fleet, we plan to extend this high-quality experience to additional routes.”
Additional Long-Haul Options
Air India will continue operating a single widebody flight per day between Delhi and Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad on Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 aircraft, designated with three-digit “AI”-prefixed flight numbers.
Convenient Booking Channels
The enhanced schedules and upgraded cabin offerings will progressively become available across Air India’s booking platforms, including its website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents.
This strategic initiative highlights Air India’s focus on delivering superior service, optimised schedules, and a seamless travel experience on its key metro routes, setting the stage for further enhancements in 2025.
About Air India Group
The Air India Group – comprising of full-service global airline Air India and low-cost regional carrier Air India Express – is spearheading a new era of Indian aviation.
The Air India story began in 1932 when JRD Tata piloted the airline’s inaugural flight and opened the skies for aviation in India. Today, Air India Group employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.
Returning to the Tata Sons’ in 2022 following 70 years under Government ownership, Air India Group is in the midst of a five-year transformation program, Vihaan.AI.
As part of the transformation, Air India placed the then largest-ever order for 470 new aircraft in 2023. In 2024, sister airlines Air Asia India and Vistara were successfully merged into Air India Express and Air India respectively, and the Airline opened South Asia’s largest aviation training academy. A new flying school is scheduled to open in 2025, and construction of a greenfield maintenance base, to be operational in 2026, is underway. In addition to receiving new aircraft, all existing aircraft are progressively undergoing a full interior refit
With transformation underway across all facets of the business and India’s rich legacy of hospitality, Air India is committed to being a world class global airline with an Indian heart.
Media Contacts:
AIR INDIA
Ronit Baugh
ronit.baugh@airindia.com
ADFACTORS PR
Ranjini Majumdar
airindia@adfactorspr.com
Source: AIR INDIA
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