Airlines are wooing business class travelers in India, according to an Economic Times review. The report stated that airlines like Air India, Lufthansa, and Emirates are spending a sizable part of their budgets on upgrading cabins. Air India has undertaken a cabin retrofit program at a cost of $400 million and is doubling the number of premium seats on its flights.
Emirates has also refurbished its cabins as part of a $5-billion initiative. “Over the last few years, we have seen a clear shift in how Indian travelers approach long-haul journeys, with a growing preference for comfort, flexibility, and a more premium travel experience,” an Emirates spokesperson told ET.
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The report also mentioned that Lufthansa will be offering Allegris seats for business class passengers from July 2025. Data from Cirium shows the number of first and business class seats has increased by 31% in the last two years on airlines flying from India.
The report also mentioned upgrades to meal plans for premium travelers. While Qatar Airways will serve an exclusive business class menu curated by Chef Garima Arora for flights from India, Singapore Airlines is partnering with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor for business class meals.
This comes almost a month after Air India unveiled the custom-styled cabin interiors of its first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, signaling a major step forward in the airline’s ongoing transformation under Tata Group ownership. Its business class is particularly notable because of its suites that convert into fully flat beds measuring 79 inches and include sliding privacy doors, wireless charging pads, adjustable armrests, personal storage spaces and design elements inspired by India’s traditional “Jaali” or netted architectural patterns.
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Lufthansa recently announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Air India. The two airline companies signed a joint business agreement for more connections, joint marketing of flight offerings, and improved customer experience. Carsten Spohr, the CEO of the Lufthansa group called this a “new chapter in aviation between India and the EU.”
This comes during a complicated time for Indian aviation. Reports from last month suggest Air India is actively searching for a new chief executive, with indications that Tata Group, which holds a majority stake in the carrier, has lost confidence in current CEO Campbell Wilson and has been holding discussions with potential replacements. The new CEO is expected to face the challenge of restoring financial stability while improving operational performance, all while rebuilding passenger and investor confidence.