Premium Economy, which is cheaper than business class flights but better than economy class, will witness more rivalry between Air India and other airlines on select US-India routes in 2023. In a recent press release announcing the leasing of five wide-body aircraft for planned flights between India and the United States, Air India hinted at the introduction of the Premium Economy service. American Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France currently provide premium economy flights to India from USA and from India.
Air India’s Premium Economy class has been long delayed, with rumors of it being introduced on several major long-haul flights in 2015. Though launched by Eva Air in 1991 as a middle-of-the-road travel cabin between business and economy, Premium Economy gained traction during the Great Recession (2007-2009), when international airlines’ income from business class flight tickets deals plummeted to a historic low. Premium economy seats appear to be 60% less expensive than business class seats on average, but roughly 60% more expensive than regular economy class rates.
According to reports, Air India’s Premium Economy cabin would be adapted to five B777-200LRS that will enter the airline’s fleet between December 2022 and March 2023. This is one of 30 new aircraft leased by the airline over the next 15 months to expand its fleet and expand its worldwide reach. Air Vistara, Air India’s sister airline, is now the only Indian carrier operating premium economy class on both international and domestic flights.” These new aircraft, coupled with older aircraft being restored to service, meet immediate demand for expanded capacity and connectivity, and constitute a substantial step forward,” said Air India CEO Campbell Wilson.
Three US locations provide nonstop flights to Mumbai
According to the press release, the five new B777-200LRS would be used on part of the nonstop flights to India from USA and vice-versa. Air India has hinted at intentions to offer nonstop flights from Mumbai to San Francisco and New York JFK. As CEO Campbell Wilson stated, “Air India has exciting development and renewal ambitions, of which these new aircraft are just the beginning.” Kempegowda Airport, BLR, will receive three weekly flights with premium economy from San Francisco.
Emirates Airlines said earlier this month that it will begin flying its flagship A380, the world’s biggest passenger aircraft, upgraded with premium economy to New York and San Francisco in December 2022 and February 2023, respectively. Given this, Air India’s ambitions to provide cheap international flight tickets, premium economy seats with more legroom, and more reclining are not coincidental. Emirates’ premium Economy service is already available to London, Paris, and Sydney. Emirates’ Premium Economy is an oasis of luxury and relaxation, meticulously designed to provide a distinctive experience on board.
United Airlines’ nonstop service from San Francisco to BLR, which has been delayed multiple times, will eventually start the flight on March 25, 2023. IndianEagle.com provides the lowest prices on premium economy flights to India from USA offered by American Airlines, United Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Finnair, ANA Airlines, Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Japan Airlines.
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