New Delhi: Air India has barred its aircraft crew from upgrading passengers with immediate effect. Pilots and senior cabin crew of full service carriers (FSC) very often ask their family or friends to sit in a higher class if seats are available there.
A note sent by AI chief Ashwani Lohani's office earlier this week said: "It has come to our notice that at times upgradations are done within the aircraft by cockpit/cabin crew. A serious view has been taken of the same and personal responsibility shall be fixed in such cases. It is reiterated that no upgrades shall be done without a message from the chairman's office."
While the move is to enforce discipline in the organization, upgrades by crew are a common practice in airlines. AI crew has not taken this missive kindly and Lohani — a chairman known to be close to his employees — has reportedly agreed to allow this practice on a limited basis. For example, if a pilot is operating a flight and his family is in the same plane, he may allow them to be upgraded subject to availability and keeping the chairman's office in loop.
"The airline's focus is on increasing revenue. Being an FSC with business and first class on its aircraft, it is imperative for AI to sell these premium seats. Over the years, AI premium classes are full of upgrades recommended by politicians and bureaucrats. We want to restore the feeling of a premium class in these cabins and be able to sell them to the high and mighty," a source said.
To Read the News in Full 26/03/16 Times of India
A note sent by AI chief Ashwani Lohani's office earlier this week said: "It has come to our notice that at times upgradations are done within the aircraft by cockpit/cabin crew. A serious view has been taken of the same and personal responsibility shall be fixed in such cases. It is reiterated that no upgrades shall be done without a message from the chairman's office."
While the move is to enforce discipline in the organization, upgrades by crew are a common practice in airlines. AI crew has not taken this missive kindly and Lohani — a chairman known to be close to his employees — has reportedly agreed to allow this practice on a limited basis. For example, if a pilot is operating a flight and his family is in the same plane, he may allow them to be upgraded subject to availability and keeping the chairman's office in loop.
"The airline's focus is on increasing revenue. Being an FSC with business and first class on its aircraft, it is imperative for AI to sell these premium seats. Over the years, AI premium classes are full of upgrades recommended by politicians and bureaucrats. We want to restore the feeling of a premium class in these cabins and be able to sell them to the high and mighty," a source said.
To Read the News in Full 26/03/16 Times of India
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