AI to fly all-economy planes on Gulf routes

As a part of its route rationalization and cost-cutting measures, Air India plans to replace its twin-class aircraft with all-economy ones belonging to low-cost subsidiary Air India Express on few Gulf routes from this month end.

"As part of our route rationalisation plans some of the flights which are currently being operated by erstwhile Indian Airlines on sectors like Bahrain and Doha, will be operated by our low-cost subsidiary Air India Express," Air India sources said.

Airbus A320, which are currently being flown on these routes, would be replaced by planes with all-economy configuration flown by Air India Express, they said.

"There is a huge potential for economy class traffic on these routes. Replacing a full-service carrier with a budget carrier will definitely help us in enhancing our revenue," the sources said.

Air India has already effected these changes in its winter schedule starting from Sunday, they said.