Air India's Bold Move: Staff to Fly Economy Class to Prioritize Paying Customers

While it's debatable whether it's a bold move or not, considering employees and passengers, it's definitely newsworthy! 

Before I start, since I have readers from all over the world, let me begin with a little bit of an introduction about Air India and a few strangely unpopular facts.

Air India is India’s national carrier and one of the country's oldest airlines. Founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata, as Tata Airlines, it was later nationalized in 1953. The airline has played a crucial role in connecting India to the world and has a rich legacy in aviation.

Now let's begin with less-known facts:

• Helped Create Singapore Airlines: Provided technical and operational support in SIA’s early days.

• Massive Revenue Potential: Once generated ₹100+ crore daily despite inefficiencies.

• First in Asia with Owned Boeing 747s: Pioneered long-haul travel for Indian aviation.

• Established India’s First Global Routes: Connected India to the U.S., Europe, and Australia.

• Early Adopter of In-Flight Duty-Free Sales: Set the trend for airlines worldwide.

Quite amusing, isn't it? India is known for its diversity and hospitality. Back in those days,  Air India was pioneered under one of the best leaders and made an impact on world aviation. Though it struggled in between, with the recent takeover, we are all looking to see fruitful changes and again a big name for our Maharaja!

In all great stories, there's always a but; hence, here it comes. With the recent move by an airline after the merger with Vistara, employees may not take it very well. As an employee, other than monetary gains, we always look for other compensatory benefits and compare them with other major airlines; it seems to be problematic here. While it may be a necessary step, striking down the benefits, especially when you have to wait for the last-minute traveling on a staff ticket, is quite a downgrade.

But what could be the solution? A question to ask.

Before I answer, in my opinion, I think I should share that most airlines generate maximum revenue through business or premium economy customers; hence, they'll always focus on such customers and often ignore economy. Whereas a budget airline having a single configuration often offers more by reducing tickets and giving discounts, or offering flexi options, but has to charge for food, baggage, and other amenities. Being the only premium airline in India, Air India is trying its best to gain the market share, and again make it affordable for everyone due to high competition in the Indian market.

Well, Air India always has an advantage of providing food for long sectors in India like COK-DEL, BLR-BOM, and all, and one of the primary reasons would be, whenever we book a ticket for our parents, we look for comfort and are often ready to stretch the budget. With the general aura of the crew in a closed environment, it always feels more like a home.

Now, let's talk about the solution: while I don't wish to enter into the comparison with other airlines, I would definitely suggest that they can make it to ID30, where they can book it prior and cannot be purchased at the counter. They can give an option to choose it while booking the ticket, and can offer confirmed tickets. Employees may still not like to choose this option, though it provides you with an alternative. As human beings, we are often looking for more possibilities and are always curious to explore the unexplored. Hence, it can result in employees leaving for better opportunities or a more favorable environment.

I feel big companies are often built by their employees, while leaders always hold the vision and values for the company. Considering them as a family and letting them suffer always harms the relationship and leads to disappointment.