Airlines are in no mood to give up the options to pamper Indian passengers even as more low cost airlines are entering into the scene.
Following the footprints of flamboyant aviator Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines, which introduced first class in the domestic sector, the Chennai-based Paramount Airways is planning to introduce first class with 'complete privacy' from first week of June.
Kingfisher had launched first class with 20 seats with 125 degree recline supported by adjustable headrests and fully extendable footrests in Airbus.
Recently, Richard Brason-promoted Virgin Atlantic has introduced upper class suite in Mumbai and Delhi routes to London with features of onboard bar, a massage parlour and a chauffeur-driven pick up and drop service for travel to and from the airport.
The yet-to-be launched low cost carrier Jagson Airlines is also planning to offer "some frills which a passenger cannot resist". However, airline executives declined to comment on the "some frills".
"We are planning to launch first class configuration which will match the international standards to Indian discerning passengers. We are offering 11 first class and 64 business class in an aircraft," said M Thiagarajan, managing director, Paramount Airways.
This first class will be in two combinations, including one-seat and two-seat type. The one-seat type will have enough leg room as there will not have an adjacent seat closeby.
Asked about the viability of having first class in south Indian destinations, he said: "There were similar doubts from industry when we started full business class service. With this, we are upgrading our passengers."
"This is for the high profile passengers who does not want to have somebody sitting next to them. In first class, there will 145 degree of recline with full extendable leg rest, which is equal to flat bed," Thiagarajan said.
This service will be initially offered in the routes like Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Coimbatore. Thiagarajan said: "We will be offering first class at fares equal to business class in other airlines. We were the first one to offer business class at economy class fares."
Paramount Airways is taking delivery of Embraer 175 type of aircraft on May 30. It will have a fleet of 10 aircraft by the end of December.
All aircraft, excluding the two, will have first class configuration.
Paramount is operating 24 flights a day to six destinations, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Coimbatore and Madurai.
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