Air India's Ambitious Turnaround with New Dreamliner Aircraft
For over a decade, Air India has consistently been ranked as one of the world's worst airlines, plagued by poor reviews, limited investment, and political interference. The carrier's tragic history includes a devastating crash last year that claimed 270 lives, marking its highest ever death toll from an accident. This disaster was just the latest in a long line of misfortunes for the beleaguered airline.
Now, Air India is pinning its hopes on a dramatic reputation revival with the introduction of a new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In a bold move to test this transformation, travel experts Nicky Kelvin, Medha Imam, and Liam Spencer from The Points Guy recently flew on the heavily-criticised carrier's updated plane from Frankfurt to Mumbai.
Business Class: A Luxurious and Chic Experience
Nicky Kelvin, who flew Business Class at a cost of $1,620 (£1,214), was thoroughly impressed by the cabin. He described it as Air India's first bespoke Business Class cabin, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration with sliding doors and direct aisle access for each suite. The seat offered ample comfort, though taller passengers might find the foot cubby hole slightly restrictive.
The amenities included a massive, uniquely designed tray table, storage options, a mirror, a lamp, and USB ports. Nicky received noise-cancelling headphones, a velvety blanket with purple detailing, two large pillows, and a thinner traditional blanket. Additional perks included slippers, socks, an eye mask, toiletries, and comfortable loungewear.
He praised the cabin's gorgeous colours, mood lighting, and chic ambiance, noting it felt entirely different from old Air India products. Service was excellent, with cabin crew responding to his call button in just 21 seconds. The food, starting with fresh salmon and prawn with bulgur wheat and followed by a 'small but mighty' butter chicken, was presented impressively. Nicky concluded, 'This is what levelling up looks like. Air India is back.'
Premium Economy: Modern and Well-Equipped
Liam Spencer tested Premium Economy, priced at $960 (£720), and found it to be a solid offering. The cabin featured a 2-3-2 configuration across four rows, creating a secluded atmosphere. He highlighted the supportive headrest, generous legroom, solid recline ability, and functional table trays.
The seat was well-equipped with a TV screen, USB charger, and footrest. Liam received headphones, an amenity kit, a soft blanket, and drinks. His meal included a glass of merlot, snacks, and a tasty chicken curry, though he noted the portion size was slightly smaller than desired. Service was prompt, with crew arriving in 18 seconds after pressing the call button. Liam remarked, 'Everything about the seat feels modern... there were little touches too. Everything has been well thought-out.'
Economy Class: A Step Up in Comfort and Design
Medha Imam drew the short straw, flying Economy for $654 (£490), but was pleasantly surprised. She noted the cabin's fresh and clean appearance, with a 3-3-3 configuration and high ceilings that prevented a cramped feel. The adjustable headrest was comfortable, eliminating the need for a neck pillow, and the recline was pretty good.
Features included a great screen size, charging points, a bi-fold tray, and a window dimmer button. Medha received headphones matching the red and purple cabin scheme, a comfortable blanket, and a pillow. Her meal featured perfectly spiced butter chicken, described as 'the right colour.' However, service was slower, with cabin crew taking 2 minutes and 18 seconds to respond to her call button.
Comparing this to other Air India products, Medha said, 'This definitely does step up the game when it comes to redesign.' She rated the experience seven out of ten based on the flight alone.
Verdict: Exceptional Value Across Cabins
In conclusion, all three experts agreed the new Dreamliner offers exceptional value. Nicky declared his Business Class seat worth the price, with Liam and Medha concurring that their respective cabins provided a significant upgrade. This launch marks a pivotal moment for Air India as it strives to shed its troubled past and embrace a brighter future in global aviation.
