Air India Rebranding – My views and what is next for them.

The Livery

Phew! What a day it has been. With bated breath, Avgeeks around the world including myself waited for what might be one of the biggest rebranding in Indian Aviation history. And finally, it was here, A new Air India, with an all-new Image symbolizing Hope and Growth for the airline.

Source- Aviation24.be

And yes, ladies and Gentlemen, this is the new livery for Air India. Referred to as the “Vista” Livery, it features Red, Gold and Aubergine to represent the integration of Vistara Into the company. Personally, it’s quite ok-ish for me. Its something a kid would create in photoshop. Although the livery looks quite striking and modern, there is no Indianness to the livery with the previous liveries had. And the font, as many people pointed out, reminds me of Iberia. The tail however is still pretty alright and looks fresh and clean. However, the font is something which in my opinion makes the livery look extremely cartoonish and uninspiring. Here is the breakdown of the livery.

Source-flighthacks.com.au

A much-awaited update inside of the aircraft

Along with its livery, the airline also revealed its new and much awaited interior which is set to be first installed on the Boeing 777-300ER in 2024. Air India will feature a 4-class configuration on their 777-300ER.

Souce- Onemileatatime

This is the first-class cabin to be featured on the aircraft featuring, like almost all first class products, a 1-2-1 configuration. Several avgeeks have also taken to twitter to compare the featured first-class seats look more like a business plus available on airlines like Malaysian and Virgin Atlantic. However, I feel this is a big step up from the current product. At the same time however, considering Air India’s existing reputation, I do not know how much first-class demand will be there for Air India. However, as they say, never say never.

Now this is something I was genuinely excited for, the business class. All I can say that it is pretty good!! Miles better than the hideous cattle style 2-3-2 configuration featured. The seats are provided by Safran and will feature fully enclosed seats with door like the proposed Qantas a350 business class. Since the launch of the Q-suite by Qatar Airways, more and more airlines like Etihad and British airways are ditching the conventional first class and providing suites in business class. The airline will also feature wireless charging in both business and first class.

Souce- Onemileatatime

Air India will also introduce a premium economy product on its widebodies which will feature a 2-4-2 configuration and is a much-awaited product as more and more Indians travel long haul to the United States and Canada, there is more demand for a more spacious and comfortable seats especially for the elderly Travellers.

Souce- Onemileatatime

Air India’s new economy class features a 3-4-3 configuration which will be a bit of a letdown for passengers as it steers away from its 3-3-3 configuration with was far more comfortable for passengers. One thing to notice that the airlines premium economy and standard economy will feature a red upholstery.

Souce- Onemileatatime

Did You Notice?

Like many others pointed out, the were a few things which were noticeably missing during this reveal. In the aircraft reveal, the 777x and the 777-300er were noticeably missing considering the 777-300ER will get the first retrofit and the 777X is kind of the flagship aircraft of the airline. Considering Qatar had the same issue with the qsuites , the 787 might not have the width to have such a business class layout so there is a slight chance of a new layout, or maybe use Vistara’s seats on all Dreamliners. The 737MAX is also notably missing however as it will be incorporated into Air India Express, it might get the new AIX livery which again, is set to be revealed soon.

Conclusion

What a week it has been for Air India with their livery and cabin unveil. All I can say All the very best to the airline to maintain these cabins considering the abysmal state of the Air India’s legacy cabins. We as passengers should also understand to not treat the cabins like trash and not damage the seats. However, at the end, it is the airlines responsibility to not show neglect to the planes. Air India with this change is destined towards great things in the future and also an expansion which I shall personally expand on in my next blog.