Revealed: Air India’s new A320neo business class, premium economy

Air India isn’t playing when it describes its rebrand and fleet transformation as representing a “bold new India”. You only need to compare the airline’s old and new interiors to see this in action, and its latest aircraft retrofit is no exception.

Embracing a trend offering greater seating flexibility on shorter flights, the New Delhi-based carrier is adding a sleek premium economy cabin to its Airbus A320neos. 

Taking off on domestic and short-range international flights from July 1, the 24 extra legroom seats sit behind eight business class seats, with each pew enjoying a four-way headrest and wider 32-inch seat with a 4-inch recline.

A curtain will separate premium economy from the cabin behind it, while passengers will also see a broader selection of food and drinks on the menu, served on upgraded crockery and cutlery.

Air India's Airbus A320neo premium economy.

Business class travellers will be able to stretch out even further thanks to a generous 40-inch seat, with a deeper 7-inch recline, device holder built into the tray table, plus an adjustable footrest and backrest.

Customised by seating manufacturer Collins Aerospace, all three cabins sport USB charging ports as standard, making it easier to BYO entertainment. 

Two aircraft have already been retrofitted with the new layout, with these nimble jets taking wing on routes such as Delhi-Bengaluru and Delhi-Chandigarh, which have a flight time between one and three hours.

Air India recently introduced new uniforms as part of its rebrand.

The Star Alliance member aims to introduce this three-class layout across its full twin-aisle fleet over the coming year, with Air India CEO Campbell Wilson describing the new cabin and refit as “important steps in the journey of enhancing the flying experience.”

This “complements the upgraded widebody experience now available on our A350 fleet and new B777s, and on all other widebodies as they are refitted over the next two years,” Wilson adds.

Air India is expected to add 210 A320neo-family jets to its fleet, as part of a blockbuster US$70 billion order for 470 new Airbus and Boeing jets, over the next ten years.

Beyond upgrading and adding aircraft, Air India’s transformation recently extended to its Flying Returns loyalty program, with the extensively-retooled offering introducing a spend-based model, new tier names, evergreen points and more.