Air India is to introduce ‘premium economy class’ on some of its all-economy class Airbus A-320 aircraft. The start will be made on February 15 on the Delhi-Guwahati-Imphal and return sectors with the middle seat in the first two rows not being sold. Incidentally, GoAir is the only other domestic airline which offers such a facility.
Air India will charge the lowest business class fare for those travelling in premium economy. The airline’s Web site shows that on the Delhi-Guwahati sector a super value economy ticket is priced at ₹10,901 while a flexi-saver economy ticket is priced at ₹17,909. The higher fare also provides facilities like cancellation of a ticket before travel and changing the date for the flight free of charge, which is a common practice for those travelling in business class.
Passengers travelling in premium economy will be allowed 35 kg free baggage as against 20 kg allowed to other passengers and will be provided access to executive class lounges and allowed to board the aircraft at their leisure. In addition, they will be provided a welcome drink, a cold or hot towel, choice of meals and choice of reading material.
But unlike the business class section in domestic flights operated by the airline, there will be no separate business class section on the aircraft.