Air India set to have 'Maharaja' class seats on international flights

Passengers on most of Air India's international flights are all set for a new experience as the airline will soon introduce 'Maharaja' business class seats, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew, officials said.

The existing first class and business class seats on its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft fleet would be revamped for the Maharaja business class seats. These planes operate short and long haul international routes. Airline officials said the latest makeover exercise would involve overhauling of a section of the first class and business class with an upgraded ambience, upholstery and other new features. The night kits would also come with a new look, they added.

Besides, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew would be introduced, they said. "The objective of the revamping exercise is to bring about the much needed change in the airline, make it more customer-focussed with enviable service," one of the officials said. Another official said the move is part of larger efforts to attract more passengers on its international flights and in turn generate more revenues as well as gain more market share.

The Civil Aviation Ministry today said the government is committed to strategic disinvestment of Air India and a plan is being prepared to run the airline efficiently, weeks after the flagship carrier's strategic stake sale failed to take off. "Air India has a very important role to play in the aviation sector of India. Therefore, to keep it healthy, efficient and forward looking airline is an important priority for the government," Prabhu said today.