Air India has been ranked as one of the world’s worst airlines for over a decade.
Last year, one of the airline’s planes suffered a crash that claimed the lives of 270 people – the carrier’s highest ever death toll from an accident.
It was just the latest in a long line of tragic disasters for the unlucky airline.
But now, Air India is hoping to turn around its reputation with a new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
And Nicky Kelvin, The Points Guy’s travel and points expert, alongside colleagues Medha Imam and Liam Spencer, recently flew on the heavily-criticised carrier’s new plane from Frankfurt to Mumbai.
Nicky explains in a YouTube video: ‘Air India was one of the worst reviewed airlines in the world for over a decade.
‘From 2010 to 2022, the airline faced scathing reviews, limited investment and even political interference.
‘Could things be changing?’
Liam Spencer, Nicky Kelvin and Medha Imam (left-right) tested out the updated plane
Nicky flew Business class, enjoying the lie-flat seat and luxurious offerings
In the video, the trio board the plane with a plan: rank the seats, food and service in each cabin and decide if it’s worth the price.
Nicky flies Business class, with a seat costing $1,620 (£1,214), while Liam is in Premium Economy for $960 (£720).
Meanwhile, Medha draws the short straw, testing out Economy for $654 (£490).
Nicky, in Business class, says: ‘I am pretty blown away. This cabin is the first bespoke Business Class cabin for Air India.
‘The cabin is arranged into a 1-2-1 configuration. Each suite has its own sliding door and direct aisle access.
‘The seat itself is very comfortable – you can stretch your legs out. But I would say if you’re very tall, you might struggle to get your feet in the cubby hole at the very bottom. But for me this seat is kind of perfect.’
Nicky points out the ‘massive’ tray table with a unique design that swings around, as well as a storage cupboard and pocket, mirror and lamp – and, of course USB ports to charge your devices.
In terms of amenities, he gets noise-cancelling headphones, a velvety blanket with purple detailing, two big pillows and a traditionally designed thinner blanket.
He’s also handed slippers, socks, an eye mask and toiletries – plus comfortable loungewear.
He says the bed is comfortable and wide enough – but ‘a little tight around the feet’ for tall passengers.
He adds: ‘Overall, I have to just say the colours of the cabin are gorgeous. They have mood lighting in here. It is – dare I say it – chic. And that is not something I’d ever say about old Air India products. This feels like something different.’
Service is excellent, with cabin crew reaching his seat just 21 seconds after he presses the call button.
Food, meanwhile, starts with fresh salmon and prawn with bulgur wheat – and he says the presentation is impressive. His main is butter chicken, which he describes as ‘small but mighty’.
‘This is what levelling up looks like’, he says. ‘Air India is back.’
Nicky enjoys his morning coffee – while sporting the loungewear given to him on board
The Business Class cabin is spacious and well kitted-out with all necessities
Nicky’s Business Class meal includes fresh prawns, salmon and breads to try
Liam explores Premium Economy – saying ‘it doesn’t look hard either’.
He highlights the 2-3-2 configuration across just four rows, giving it a secluded ambience.
He praises the ‘supportive’ head rest and large amount of legroom, as well as the seat’s solid ‘recline’ ability and table trays.
With TV screens and a USB charger and footrest, it’s well kitted-out.
Liam’s given headphones, an amenity kit, a ‘soft and cosy’ blanket and drinks.
A glass of merlot and snacks start off his food service, and he then enjoys a ‘tasty’ chicken curry, although again with a slightly smaller portion size than he would like.
Service is excellent, with cabin crew reaching his seat just 18 seconds after he presses the call button.
Overall, Liam says: ‘Everything about the seat feels modern… there were little touches too. Everything has been well thought-out.’
Liam enjoys his flight in Premium Economy, with a sturdy head rest helpful for sleeping
Liam’s Premium Economy meal is tasty – but he wished there was more of it
Medha, in Economy, says: ‘Welcome to seat 32K in Air India’s new Dreamliner. You can tell because of how fresh and clean everything is. There isn’t even a single crumb on the floor.
‘This cabin is configured in 3-3-3 and the ceilings are so tall, and we don’t feel that cramped given we are in Economy.’
She says the adjustable headrest is ‘quite comfortable’ and that you don’t necessarily need a neck pillow to be able to sleep comfortably.
The screen size is ‘great’ and there are also charging points and a bi-fold tray, as well as a window dimmer button.
She also describes the recline as ‘pretty good’.
Medha’s given headphones that match the cabin’s colour scheme in red and purple, as well as a nice blanket and pillow – ‘not the fluffiest but very comfortable’, she says.
For the Economy meal, there’s also butter chicken, which Medha describes as perfectly spiced and ‘the right colour’.
Cabin crew only reach Medha’s seat 2 minutes and 18 seconds after she presses the call button.
Medha, meanwhile, checks into her Economy Class seat in the upgraded cabin
She adds: ‘Given the fact that I’ve now been on three different Air India products, one being the 777 and the other being the 350 and finally this one from Frankfurt to Mumbai, these three are very different.
‘I will say that this definitely does step up the game when it comes to redesign.’
In conclusion, she says: ‘Based on the experience alone I’d rate this seven out of 10.’
But was it worth it?
Nicky says his Business seat was ‘exceptional value,’ and the others are in full agreement.
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