Summary
- A few of Air India’s Boeing 777 planes are facing technical issues with cabin lighting.
- The cabin crew is unable to dim the lights or switch them off and has to distribute eye masks to passengers.
- Air India is investing heavily in cabin refurbishment that can see latest seats, amenity kits, and in-flight entertainment options on its widebody fleet.
A few of Air India’s Boeing 777 aircraft are reportedly facing issues with the cabin lighting in economy class, leading to the crew members distributing eye masks to passengers. The issue is with the long-range version of the sort recently acquired by Air India on lease to extend capability.
Cabin lights remain vivid
Air India is facing a novel problem with a few of its Boeing 777 airplanes. The cabin lights in economy class of those planes remain in vivid mode throughout the flight and might’t be controlled by the cabin crew.
With these aircraft typically deployed on ultra-long-haul routes of greater than 12 hours, it’s more likely to be problematic for passengers to spend the complete flight duration under such vivid light. As such, the flight attendants have began distributing eye masks to all economy travelers on these aircraft.
Photo: Sundry Photography | Shutterstock
It has been reported that the present problem is with the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft newly acquired by Air India on short-term leases. A circular issued by the carrier explained the situation, stating,
Leased 777s increase capability
While Air India has placed a large order for narrowbody and widebody planes, it also needs aircraft to satisfy its immediate expansion plans. As such, the carrier has inducted several Boeing 777s on leases that previously flew for other airlines.
Over the past 12 months, it has received five Boeing 777-200LRs previously belonging to Delta Air Lines and a couple of 777-300ERs that when flew for Etihad Airways. These planes have helped the carrier to extend services to North America and consolidate its presence even further within the US.
These aircraft also include premium cabins which can be different from Air India’s older 777s, and lots of of those are deployed on US routes out of Mumbai.
Cabin refurbishment
Air India has launched into a significant fleet refurbishment program and has put aside a big sum of $400 million for the project. The brand new management realizes that for the airline to match global standards, its fleet interiors need a large overhaul.
It recently bought 22,000 economy and premium economy seats for its Boeing 787s, 777s, and Airbus A350 aircraft from RECARO Aircraft Seating. Last 12 months, the carrier revealed the cabin interiors of its Boeing 777 planes, featuring seats in brown, beige, gray, and maroon colours.
Earlier this 12 months, it also unveiled the brand new IFE content library for its widebody fleet, which incorporates an enormous collection of Indian and international movies and TV shows. Starting mid-2024, Air India’s premium-class passengers can even notice refreshed amenity kits exclusively designed for the carrier.
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Exclusive Latest Amenity Kits: Air India Continues Refreshing Its Onboard Experience
The brand new kits will roll out on international flights in the midst of this 12 months.
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