Air India has retrofitted the first of its A320neo aircraft with new Business, Premium Economy and Economy seats from Collins Aerospace.
Two of the airline's A320neos are now configured with eight business class seats, with 24 seats in premium economy and 132 in economy.
The new three-class layout sees Air India offering premium economy for the first time in a narrowbody aircraft.
The new business class seat offers a 40-inch pitch and seven-inch recline, as well as an adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest, a tray table with support for personal electronic devices and “multiple charging ports.”
Meanwhile, the premium economy seat features a 32-inch tilt and four-inch recline, as well as a four-way headrest, a holder for personal electronic devices, and a USB charging port.
Finally, the economy seat offers a seat pitch between 28 and 29 inches, with a four-inch recline and features that include a personal electronic device holder, a USB charging port, and a coat hook.
Air India said it plans to introduce the new three-class configuration across its “full-service narrowbody fleet” over the next year, modernizing existing aircraft and equipping new ones with the refreshed design.
The move follows the ongoing delivery of the airline's A350-900 aircraft, which features 28 business class suites, 24 premium economy class seats and 264 economy class seats.
Air India takes delivery of first A350-900
The modernized A320neos will enter service from July 1 on routes including Delhi-Bengaluru and Delhi-Chandigarh.
Commenting on the news, Campbell Wilson, CEO and CEO of Air India, said:
“The introduction of a three-class cabin in Air India's narrowbody fleet and the commencement of interior refurbishments are important steps on the path towards improving the flying experience.
“The upgrade to the narrowbody fleet, operating on the domestic and short-haul international network, complements the enhanced widebody experience now available on our A350 fleet and new B777s, and all other widebody aircraft. which will be refurbished over the next two years.
“This comprehensive upgrade of Air India's physical product is an important component in transforming itself into a world-class airline.”
airindia.com
