Poor Things! Air India Staff to Fly Economy as Airline Puts Passengers First

Air India’s senior executives, including vice presidents and above will travel in economy class for work-related trips instead of business class from April 1,2025, with the rule set to extend to all employees, including CEO Campbell Wilson from June 1, 2025.

The move aims to prioritize paying passengers of the airline which is now a part of the Tata Group, ensuring that premium seats remain available for booking. "We are seeing high demand for these seats, and this move shows our focus on customers," an Air India spokesperson told Hindustan Times.

Since Tata took over Air India in January 2022, demand for premium seating has more than doubled. Employees will now receive confirmed economy-class tickets for business travel. However, if premium seats remain unsold, staff may be upgraded just before departure.

Currently, Air India offers 50,000 premium economy seats per week, a number set to rise to 65,000 by October following its retrofit program. The airline has also expanded its premium seating options, operating 53 A320 aircraft with premium economy seats after its merger with Vistara.

A report in The Times of India noted that staff can only be upgraded to premium economy or business class if seats remain unsold 50 minutes before departure. The policy shift is part of Air India’s broader efforts to improve customer experience amid rising complaints over service quality and flight delays.

India’s aviation market is growing rapidly, with domestic air travel increasing by 10-12% annually, according to government data. As competition intensifies, Air India is investing in fleet upgrades, branding, and customer service enhancements to strengthen its position.

By keeping premium seats available for paying passengers, the airline continues its transformation under Tata’s leadership, emphasizing a customer-first approach.