Complaints like these have been mounting, particularly from passengers flying Air India’s older widebody plane, that are nonetheless years away from a much-needed revamp. On many worldwide routes, particularly to the US, Air India is the one nonstop possibility, with passengers paying as a lot as Rs 16 lakh for a round-trip first-class fare.
“Horrible expertise on Air India’s Mumbai-Newark flight. Damaged tray, blinking studying lights, and no leisure system on a 16-hour flight. All this whereas AI expenses the very best fare for this sector,” a passenger tweeted from the deal with @HumeraPathan on Sept 19.
Air India has been issuing refunds to passengers on some flights delayed by many hours and even days. Now it has began issuing refunds for damaged seats, as on this newest case. Patel wrote on Instagram: “I just lately endured a 15-hour continuous flight from Chicago to Delhi, and it was removed from nice. I had heard unfavorable issues about Air India prior to now, however I hoped the latest modifications underneath new administration would enhance the expertise. Sadly, that wasn’t the case. The IFE was down for the whole flight. First-class was in poor situation—unclean, with leftover meals and trash nonetheless within the cabin, and all the pieces appeared worn out or damaged. It was a irritating expertise general. Remember in the event you’re flying with them.”
“All the pieces was ripped, ruined. The meal service was first come, first served for the 4 passengers in first-class. I perceive common put on and tear, however this was subsequent degree,” Patel says within the video. “I didn’t file a criticism with Air India, however they noticed the video on social media, known as me, and refunded my whole flight… they did make it proper, and it’s price noting,” he mentioned on Instagram.
Feedback had been sought from Air India relating to this latest refund, however none had been obtained by press time.
The Tata Group took over Air India in January 2022, inheriting a dilapidated fleet that had not seen any repairs or renovation throughout its final years as a cash-strapped public sector unit. International provide chain points attributable to COVID-19 and exacerbated by Russia’s conflict on Ukraine have delayed the fleet’s renovation. The airline’s on-time efficiency has additionally declined.
This Monday (Sept 16), Air India started implementing its $400 million revamp program for 27 Airbus A320neos and 40 widebody Boeing (777 and 787) plane. In a phased method, the Airbus planes will likely be refurbished first, adopted by the Boeing planes, with new seats, carpets, curtains, upholstery, and fashionable cabins. The narrowbody fleet improve is predicted to be accomplished by mid-2025, after which the widebody planes will bear refurbishment.
Passengers like Patel flying long-haul on Air India’s previous planes must wait longer for a greater onboard expertise.
