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<ul><li>You can get <keyword id="23085304" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-AirPods-4" source="keywords">Apple AirPods 4</keyword> and <keyword id="20524550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-Pencil" source="keywords">Apple Pencil</keyword> for free in India</li><li>This is part of a <keyword id="23216168" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="limited-time-deal" source="keywords">limited-time deal</keyword> by <keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Apple" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Apple" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Apple">Apple</keyword></li><li>The accessories are available for free with purchase of selected devices</li></ul> Apple, during the “It’s Glowtime” event held earlier this month, introduced us all to the <keyword id="20994992" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airpods-4" source="Orion">AirPods 4</keyword>. In addition to this, the company also announced that the AirPods Pro would now be functioning as a hearing aid as well. The company also got FDA’s nod for the same recently. What if we tell you that you can grab the new AirPods 4 and the Apple Pencil for free? Read on to know how. <h2>Apple’s limited-time deal in India </h2> Apple has rolled out a special offer for university students and staff across India, providing substantial discounts on some Mac and iPad models. The offer also includes <keyword id="23216169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="free-accessories" source="keywords">free accessories</keyword> like AirPods or an Apple Pencil, as well as a 20 percent discount on AppleCare+ plans. This promotion is available exclusively through Apple’s Education Store and will run until September 30, 2024. Eligible students and staff can purchase Apple devices at reduced prices under this deal. One of the standout offers is the <keyword id="19927330" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MacBook-Air" source="keywords">MacBook Air</keyword>, which is available at a starting price of Rs 89,900, and comes with a free set of AirPods 4. Additionally, the <keyword id="20025151" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iPad-Air" source="keywords">iPad Air</keyword> is priced at Rs 54,900 and includes a complimentary Apple Pencil. For those seeking higher-end devices, Apple is also offering discounts on its premium products. The MacBook Pro can be purchased starting at Rs 158,900, while the iPad Pro is available for Rs 89,900. Both of these devices come with either AirPods or an Apple Pencil, depending on the model. Apple’s Mac Mini and iMac are also part of this educational promotion, offering savings and coming bundled with free AirPods. <h2>How to access the deal </h2> To get the discounts or free AirPods 4 and Apple Pencil, students and staff will have to verify their status through Unidays, a third-party service that confirms their eligibility. The verification process is straightforward and requires a valid university or educational institute ID. Once verified, customers can access Apple’s Education Store and complete their purchase. It is important to note that this promotion cannot be combined with other offers, such as no-cost EMI or cashback from banks. Additionally, the offer is only valid for purchases made during the promotional period, which concludes on September 30, 2024.

You can get free Apple Airpods 4 and Apple Pencil with this limited-time deal in India, details here

<keyword id="6378232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India-Express" source="Orion">Air India Express</keyword> has cancelled "scores of flights" due to a shortage of cabin crew members as a section of them are reporting sick to protest against alleged mismanagement at the Tata Group-owned airline, according to sources. Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself. The sources on Wednesday said several cabin crew members started reporting sick since Monday evening and as there are not enough cabin crew members, "scores of flights" have been cancelled at various airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Bangalore. Late last month, a union representing a section of the Air India Express cabin crew alleged that the airline is being mismanaged and there is a lack of equality in the treatment of the staff. Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), a registered union, which claims to represent around 300 cabin crew members, mostly seniors, had also alleged that mismanagement of the affairs has affected the morale of the employees. Many passengers took to social media on Wednesday complaining about the sudden cancellation of flights. In response to a passenger's post on X about flight cancellation, Air India Express apologised and said the flight was cancelled "due to operational reasons". "As part of our service recovery process, you can either opt to reschedule the flight within the next 7 days or request a full refund through our chat bot Tia...," the airline said in a post on X. The development at Air India Express comes a month after <keyword id="19924335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Group" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Group">Tata Group</keyword> full-service carrier Vistara witnessed pilot woes, forcing it to temporarily cut down capacity by 10 per cent or 25-30 flights daily. As part of consolidating its airline business, Tata Group is merging Air India Express and AIX Connect, as well as Vistara with Air India. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109919298.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/aadhar-housing-finance-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/109919298.cms" target="_blank">Aadhar Housing Finance IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank">Top-selling cars in India in April 2024 – Tata Punch continues to dominate</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/worldwide-tablet-shipments-grow-in-q1-2024-after-two-years-of-decline/articleshow/109876390.cms" target="_blank">Worldwide tablet shipments grow in Q1 2024 after two years of decline</a>

Air India Express cancels flights due to cabin crew shortage: Sources

<keyword id="19923231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India-Express" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Air India Express" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Air India Express">Air India Express</keyword> has termited at least 25 <keyword id="21572930" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cabin-crew-members" source="keywords">cabin crew members</keyword>, a day after hundreds of <keyword id="19916568" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employees" source="keywords">employees</keyword> reported sick and failed to report to work that led to disruptions to <keyword id="19954208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flight-operations" source="keywords">flight operations</keyword>. According to sources within the airline, the management on Wednesday terminated cabin crew members who took <keyword id="20299395" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sick-leave" source="keywords">sick leave</keyword> between Tuesday and Wednesday due to their unprofessional behaviour, which resulted in inconvenience to thousands of passengers. The <keyword id="21571427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mass-sick-leave" source="keywords">mass sick leave</keyword> was considered a pre-meditated and concerted abstention from work without any justifiable reason, violating Air India Express Limited employee service rules. The decision to terminate the employees was made as their actions violated the conditions outlined in their employment contracts, leading to their immediate termination. The disruption caused by the mass sick leave affected more than 95 flights of Air India Express between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, impacting over 10,000 passengers. The disruption in flight operations stemmed from the delay and cancellation of over 90 international and domestic flights due to cabin crew members reporting sick. In response to this, Air India Express CEO, Aloke Singh, announced plans to reduce flight operations in the coming days. Singh said that since Tuesday evening, "over 100 of cabin crew colleagues have reported sick prior to their rostered flight duty, at the last minute, severely disrupting our operations. Because this action was mostly by colleagues assigned L1 role, the impact was disproportionate, disrupting 90+ flights even though other colleagues reported for duty." He emphasised that the behaviour of a few does not represent the dedication of the majority of the airline's cabin crew, who continue to serve guests with dedication and pride. "This act is certainly not representative of the 2,000-odd cabin crew colleagues in the company who continue to respond to the call of duty and serve our guests with dedication and pride. I am thankful to all who are standing by the airline in this hour of crisis," he said in a statement. Singh invited staff for discussions to address any concerns they may have and assured that all communication channels are open. The cancellations and delays prompted the Ministry of Civil Aviation to seek a detailed report from Air India Express. The ministry urged the airline to promptly resolve the issues and ensure that passengers are provided with facilities as per DGCA norms. Sources within the ministry revealed that cancellations and delays began on Tuesday night, continuing into Wednesday morning, which led to flight operations being curtailed due to a sudden shortage of crew members. Some senior crew members allegedly switched off their mobile phones just before flight operations, citing health issues. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indegene-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/109952516.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indegene-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/109952516.cms" target="_blank">Indegene IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-wallet-launched-in-india-store-your-loyalty-cards-boarding-passes-and-more/articleshow/109941139.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/google-wallet-launched-in-india-store-your-loyalty-cards-boarding-passes-and-more/articleshow/109941139.cms" target="_blank">Google Wallet launched in India – store your loyalty cards, boarding passes and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-in-india-in-april-2024-tata-punch-continues-to-dominate/slidelist/109909744.cms" target="_blank">Top-selling cars in India in April 2024 – Tata Punch continues to dominate</a>

Air India Express terminates 25 employees, day after mass sick leave

<ul><li>Tata-owned Airline <keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> has started rolling out its new look and identity from Mumbai and New Delhi.</li><li>The new global brand identity with the new <keyword id="28682" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vista" source="Orion">Vista</keyword> logo was announced in August 2023.</li><li>The brand will begin the rebranding at all touch points across two of the busiest airports in the country.</li></ul>Tata-owned airline Air <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has started the rollout of its recently unveiled global brand identity across guest touchpoints. The switch to the new brand identity will begin across its digital and online channels. In terms of rebranding at airports, the company will start with Delhi and Mumbai airports, with other airports to follow. The new brand identity was<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/air-india-unveils-new-logo-maharaja-to-stay-with-different-role/articleshow/102631518.cms"> unveiled</a> in August 2023, nearly two years after the company<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tata-sons-buy-air-india-for-2-39-billion-from-the-indian-government/articleshow/86867529.cms"> acquired</a> the airline for ₹18,000 crore. The new brand identity will soon be visible at touchpoints such as check-in counters, boarding gates, lounges and the boarding cards. The network-wide switch to our new global brand identity is a landmark moment for Air India. It's not just about bringing our new logo and colours to customer touchpoints; it's a promise to our guests of a transforming travel experience that is modern, seamless, and infused with the warmth and hospitality that defines a new India and a new Air India,” said <keyword id="5863894" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="campbell-wilson" source="Orion">Campbell Wilson</keyword>, chief executive officer and managing director, Air India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="New brand identity for Air India" comment="subhead" text="New brand identity for Air India">New brand identity for Air India</cmsannotation> Air India’s new brand identity is based around “Vista”, the company’s new brand logo, which the company says signifies ‘limitless possibilities and progressiveness’. The Vista logo features the company’s new brand colours, including Air India red, aubergine, rose gold, and accents of gold. The logo uses the Air India Sans font. Guests will be able to book from the redesigned Air India website and mobile app, which the company claims offers a more seamless and intuitive experience. The company has claimed that the new website offers refreshed design and faster performance. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="New livery on aircrafts" comment="subhead" text="New livery on aircrafts">New livery on aircrafts</cmsannotation> Air India has announced that the new livery will be featured on the company’s new A350 fleet and other incoming aircrafts. The cabin products and in-flight rollout will occur over the next few months. “This is a transformation of great scale, and therefore, it may take us a while to achieve consistency in our product, service, and the overall ‘new Air India experience,” Wilson added. Air India recently revealed new uniforms for its cabin and cockpit crew, designed by popular designer <keyword id="33" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manish-malhotra" source="Orion">Manish Malhotra</keyword>. The uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with Air India’s first Airbus A350. The company has said that it will soon unveil Manish Malhotra-designed uniforms for its ground staff and security personnel. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/inox-india-ipo-how-to-check-allotment-and-gmp-value/articleshow/106109279.cms">Inox India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/best-deals-on-5g-new-mobile-phones-on-amazon/articleshow/106116521.cms">iPhone 13 to Redmi Note 12 – Best deals on 5G smartphones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/top-selling-cars-and-suvs-in-india-in-2023/slidelist/106092280.cms">From WagonR to Nexon to Creta – top selling cars in India in 2023</a>

Air India’s new global brand identity rollout to begin from Delhi and Mumbai airports

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) plans to ramp up its technical staff to 1,100 by hiring another 400 people in the next one to two years as well as increase the number of offices to 19 as the watchdog strengthens the safety oversight capabilities, according to its chief <keyword id="26593" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="arun-kumar" source="Orion">Arun Kumar</keyword>. Kumar, who will be superannuating on February 28 after being at the helm for nearly four years, described his tenure as a "roller coaster ride" during which various steps were taken to improve aviation safety and the regulator also dealt with multiple headwinds, including engine issues and safety concerns over <keyword id="6358032" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="spicejet" source="Orion">SpiceJet</keyword>. <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s aviation safety oversight ranking jumping to the 55th position from 112th place earlier under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) coordinated validation mission, rollout of eGCA for processes at the regulator, introduction of regulations for transgenders who want to be pilots as well as compulsory breath analyser tests for air traffic controllers are among the key developments during the tenure. "The country's aviation safety oversight capability has improved substantially and DGCA in its annual surveillance programme conducts more than 4,000 spot checks/audits/night surveillance," Kumar told PTI in an interview. Currently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has around 1,300 employees, including about 700 technical staff. "The number of technical staff is expected to increase by 400 in the next one to two years... also, the number of offices of the DGCA in different parts of the country will increase to 19 from the current 14 in the near term," he said. When asked about his tenure, Kumar, an IAS officer of the 1989 Haryana cadre, said it has been a "roller coaster ride". "It was fulfilling as we took various steps to improve aviation safety. eGCA was a game changer and made life easier for all stakeholders," he asserted. "Among the biggest achievements are India's position going up in the ICAO safety rankings and the full rollout of the eGCA. With the high ICAO ranking, the world knows that India is a better country when it comes to aviation safety," Kumar said. During the pandemic, the DGCA chief said that India did what other countries were doing and flight services were suspended for a considerable time. "What is significant is that our resumption was glitch free while others (countries) had air crash and accidents. DGCA is an expert agency and we have always taken pride in our professionalism. Aviation safety is a serious business and DGCA inspectors have always risen to the occasion," Kumar said. India is the world's third largest as well as the fastest growing civil aviation market in the world. "On an average, there are 4.5 lakh domestic air passengers and 1 lakh international air passengers in the country," Kumar said. In recent times, the regulator has also taken strict action in relation of unruly passenger behaviour onboard flights. Last month, in a span of less than a week, the DGCA had penalised Tata Group-owned <keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> twice related to incidents of unruly passenger behaviour. On January 24, the regulator imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh on the airline for not reporting two incidents of unruly passenger behaviour onboard a Paris-New Delhi flight on December 6, 2022. On January 20, the watchdog slapped a penalty of Rs 30 lakh on Air India as well as suspended the licence of the pilot-in-command of the New York-Delhi flight in which a person allegedly urinated on a female co-passenger on November 26, 2022. In connection with the incident, a fine of Rs 3 lakh was also imposed on Air India's Director of in-flight services for failing to discharge her duties.

DGCA plans to hire 400 tech staff in 1-2 years; increase offices to 19: Arun Kumar

Senior Cabin crew members of Tata-owned <keyword id="6378232" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-india-express" source="Orion">Air India Express</keyword> (AIX) have voiced concerns over alleged breach of code of conduct by the company and sought the Union Civil Aviation Ministry's intervention in the matter. Senior staff claim that they are facing mental harassment and abrupt contract reductions, raising doubts about the airline's management practices. "As per the latest employment letter issued by the management, cabin crew members are not permitted to take part of any trade union activities. This decision has been made to break the unity and stop Union work in the name of Air India Express Employees Union registered under BMS," reads the letter sent by the AIX employees union to Civil Aviation Minister <keyword id="29632" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="jyotiraditya-scindia" source="Orion">Jyotiraditya Scindia</keyword>. The letter further claims that as per the recent decision taken by the HR team led by <keyword id="211858" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="anjali-chatterjee" source="Orion">Anjali Chatterjee</keyword>, contracts of four cabin crew members did not recommend for renewal without any reason of justification. The decision has been taken after conducting the assessment programme for contract renewal even after fulfilling all parameter's stipulated by management, the union claimed. "Nine numbers of cabin crew contracts were curtailed from five years to one and other members of the cabin crew received three years tenure. There is no parameter stipulated in company HR circular to issue conditional contract for one year. This curtailment was done based on the assessment program without revealing the cause of action. There was no transparency in Communication maintained," the union said. It further alleged harassment and torture by the company's assessment team. "During assessment led by <keyword id="19458308" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="megha-singhania" source="Orion">Megha Singhania</keyword>, cabin crew were asked and commented about their complexion, language and accent, and questioned the performance ability of female crew because of their motherhood who had reported post maternity leave. So this harassment creates mental stress for cabin crew when they are on duty which may affects the safety of passengers as well." The union also alleged that certain "unethical" practices have been observed within the organisation, including the manipulation of height measurements to affect BMI calculations for contract renewal. "The current height measurement equipment is non-calibrated, and this discrepancy has resulted in wrongful de-rostering of employees from duty. Furthermore, a distressing incident involving an Air India Express cabin crew member who suffered a spinal injury on duty and now faces a life in a wheelchair has brought to light issues of discrimination and lack of equal employment opportunities," reads the letter. "The employee's contract was terminated without considering ground work suitable for his limited abilities, leading to a legal dispute for justice. Although the Disability Commission ordered the allocation of an Assistant Operations role for one year, no actual job was assigned, and the contract termination was merely postponed. This situation contradicts the <keyword id="8555" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tata" source="Orion">Tata</keyword> Code of Conduct's commitment to equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of disability," it added. The letter also suggested irregularities in recruitment and promotions by COO Pushpinder Singh. "Discrepancies in contract tenure for cabin crew members, favouritism, and monopolistic practices have raised concerns about fair labour practices within the organisation," the union alleged. "It is very shocking to know that under TATA banner Air India Express COO Capt. Pushpinder Singh running this organization as his own Whims and fancies. Pilot recruitment, Promotion etc. handling comes under him and he is mis utilising the authorities in a corrupted way. One of the cabin crew who has three warning letter in personal record and who is in good relation with him received full five year contract tenure where as other cabin crew who are part of union denied the justice and offered conditional contract for minor errors without a single warning letter. All these show how monopolistically he is driving the system in this reputed organisation," reads the letter. "Despite numerous attempts, our union has been denied the opportunity to discuss these concerns with CEO Mr. <keyword id="5778454" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aloke-singh" source="Orion">Aloke Singh</keyword>, who appears resistant to addressing the issues raised. It is evident that there is a systemic problem, and we urge intervention to rectify the unjust treatment towards cabin crew employees at Air India Express Ltd. Your attention to this matter is crucial to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and ethical conduct within the organisation," it added.

Air India Express crew members allege mental harassment, seek govt's intervention

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Air India is undergoing a complete transformation after years of decline under government control.</li><li>The airline has ordered hundreds of new aircraft and is investing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-india-new-airbus-a350-big-improvement-tour-review-2024-1">$400 million in cabin retrofits</a>.</li></ul>Between 1932 and 2021, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-india-ownership-comes-full-circle-tata-sons-bid-win-2021-10">Air India went from being the gold standard of aviation</a> under the Tata Group to a nationalized airline in complete disarray.People flying Air India's older planes routinely faced bad customer service, poor reliability, dirty cabins, and broken seats patched with duct tape. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-india-business-class-a350-compared-to-777-legacy-2024-2?mrfhud=true">Even in business class.</a>The downfall started in 1953 when the Indian government took over, stripping control away from the Tata Group.However, with government ownership proving disastrous and Air India in desperate need of modernization, the Tatas announced a deal to buy the company back in 2021 and quickly got to work with a completely new brand identity. "The list of things to do at Air India, and the list of opportunities ahead of us, are astonishing," the airline's new CEO, Campbell Wilson, told Business Insider in January. "And, in most of these cases, it is not a matter of 'Is there a case to do it?' but 'What do we do first?'"Some of the changes are less in-your-face, like an updated mobile app and website and a new inflight safety <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al51WZcN2_U">video</a>.However, customers will soon start seeing the "new Air India" everywhere, thanks to the Tata Group's huge multimillion-dollar investments in its planes, products, and people.<h2>A record Airbus and Boeing order</h2><div type="image" title="The author standing in front of the Air India A350." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108073593" hostid="261" sizebytes="951578"></div>At the Paris Airshow in June 2023, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airbus-boeing-record-order-500-planes-india-airline-indigo-report-2023-6">Air India announced orders for a record 470 Airbus and Boeing</a> aircraft, including 40 Airbus A350s, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 10 Boeing 777Xs, 140 Airbus A320neos, 70 Airbus A321neos, and 190 Boeing 737 Maxs.The aircraft, worth an estimated $70 billion at list price, will sport <a target="_blank" href="https://www.airindia.com/content/dam/air-india/about-us/pdf/AirIndia-Ournewbrand.pdf">Air India's new livery and logo</a>.The latter is known as "The Vista." Air India says it's "inspired by the peak of the gold window frame" and signifies "limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline's bold, confident outlook for the future."<div type="image" title="The gold Vista logo on a purple inflight menu." height="2323" width="3097" msid="108073595" hostid="261" sizebytes="677462"></div>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-india-business-class-a350-compared-to-777-legacy-2024-2">first delivery was an Airbus A350-900</a> in December. The new plane launched on domestic routes, like Bengaluru and Mumbai, in January and will eventually launch overseas, Air India says. It's very likely to fly to the US, though Air India has yet to release specific cities."We are proud to be working with all our partners in this journey to rebuild a global airline which reflects India taking a more confident posture around the world," Wilson said. <h2>Passenger comfort is getting a much-needed refresh</h2><div type="image" title="Air India new business class." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108073597" hostid="261" sizebytes="1079636"></div>The legacy cabins on Air India's Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 aircraft haven't seen an upgrade in years and are some of the main reasons the airline has such a poor reputation. Travelers regularly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/air-india-economy-cabin-i-flew-miserable-bad-seats-review-2024-2">complain of things like the in-flight entertainment not working</a> and stains on the carpet. Air India's business class is also way behind industry standards.Most notably, business sports a 2×3×2 layout — meaning travelers can still be assigned a dreaded middle seat. This also means those sitting in the center and window seats do not have direct aisle access.<div type="image" title="Air India's legacy business class, 2x3x2 with yellow seats." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108073601" hostid="261" sizebytes="1276846"></div>This is unlike many other airlines that have upgraded their business class over the years to offer more privacy and convenience, like adding sliding doors and opting for a 1×2×1 seat configuration.For example, Qatar Airways has added a unique quad-seating feature in its famous Q-Suite. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines offers business class with sliding doors, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/10-rare-things-on-passenger-airlines-like-bidets-showers-bars-2023-5">Emirates offers an inflight bar and lounge</a> for its premium customers flying on its Airbus A380.<div type="image" title="Qatar Q Suite" height="682" width="1024" msid="108073603" hostid="261" sizebytes="57194"></div>Air India, however, now has to play catch-up — and it's investing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-new-luxury-cabins-air-india-retrofit-onto-boeing-777-2023-8">$400 million to retrofit its legacy widebody planes</a>.<div type="image" title="Air India economy cabin." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108073606" hostid="261" sizebytes="545256"></div>Wilson, Air India's CEO, said he wants to compete with the likes of Qatar and Emirates and has taken inspiration from their successful products.Some of that can be seen in upgraded cabins on the A350, where business-class seats have privacy doors and closets, for example, with access to a small bar behind the section. The plane also sports premium economy and upgraded coach seats.<div type="image" title="New economy cabin on Air India with red seats and grey headrests." height="3024" width="4032" msid="108073607" hostid="261" sizebytes="692510"></div>"By the end of 2025, the entire legacy widebody fleet will also be upgraded to match what we're getting on the A350," Wilson told BI, "So, essentially, our fleet will be completely reborn by then."<h2>Flight attendants and pilots are getting a makeover</h2>In December, Air India released photos of its new crew <a target="_blank" href="https://www.airindia.com/content/dam/air-india/pdfs/media-centre/media_release_air_india_unveils_new_uniforms_for_crew_12_Dec_2023.pdf">uniforms</a>.Created by Indian designer Manish Malhotra, the collection features the airline's new red- and purple-heavy color scheme with items like a ready-to-wear saree (which can be worn with pants) for female flight attendants and a bandh gala for male flight attendants.Pilots will sport a black suit with the Vista logo, "signifying professionalism, timelessness, and the gravitas of the flying profession."<div type="image" title="Air India new cabin crew and pilot uniforms. Six people are in the photo." height="1334" width="2000" msid="108073608" hostid="261" sizebytes="141286"></div>"We are confident that our new crew uniforms will rise to the heightened expectations, distinctly making a statement that defines the very best of Indian heritage and hospitality," Air India said in a press release. The new uniforms were deployed with the launch of the new A350. Ground staff, engineers, and security personnel are also set to get new uniforms, which Air India said it will reveal in "due course."

Air India is rebranding after years of decline. Here are the biggest changes, from updated uniforms to swanky new Airbus A350s.

<keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword>'s cabin crew union has objected to the company's new rules mandating pre-flight -- Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight -- checks by "grooming associates". The All India Cabin Crew Association conveyed its objections to the airline's 'Inflight Services Department'. On January 20, 2022, the Executive Director of ISD, through an internal communication, informed cabin crew members about the new rules of checks on a quarterly basis. The guidelines were introduced so that the crews are in line with laid-out norms in the uniform regulations. According to the communication, the cabin supervisor of the flight will be responsible to ensure the required guidelines are followed. "...it will be the responsibility of the cabin supervisor of the flight to ensure that her/his set of crew are well turned out and follow complete uniform regulations," the communication sent out by the airline said. The bone of contention between the union and the airline was that the latter wants these checks to be conducted by doctors in the privacy of medical clinics instead of "grooming assistants". "Furthermore there is to be dignity and privacy during the conduct of such medical checks, and ladies may only be treated/checked by a female practitioner," the union said. Besides, the newly-mandated compliance may disturb cabin crew members mentally ahead of their flights, it said. "This stressful BMI check during a reporting at 'CCMCO' is bound to disturb crew mental preparation through giving rise to flight safety issues, pre-departure when cabin crew are required to conduct rapid review and briefings," the union added. The new rules could be in violation of the 'Share Purchase Agreement' between the government and Air India and Tata Group -- the new owner of the national carrier awaiting formal handover, the union said in the letter to the ISD. The union may seek legal remedies if the new rules are not withdrawn, it said. "Respectfully, we thus would call upon you to amend the impugned circular and reissue it without the offending clause of 'BMI Check/BMI Management' failing which AICCA may be compelled to seek legal redressal which may also extend to the issuance of a directive and/or contempt, none of which we desire at this stage," it added. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-bus-maker-olectra-greentech-have-surged-540-in-the-last-12-months/articleshow/88685068.cms">Shares of this electric bus maker have surged 540% in the last 12 months</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/bmws-colour-changing-paint-feature-may-have-more-uses-than-just-curing-boredom-and-indecisiveness/articleshow/88727490.cms">BMW’s colour-changing paint technology might have more uses than just curing boredom and indecisiveness</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-acquires-uk-battery-tech-company-faradion/articleshow/88606195.cms">Mukesh Ambani’s clean energy vision gets a New Year boost with the acquisition of this UK battery tech company</a>

Air India's new policy on pre-flight weight checks is not going well with its staff

<keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> has put together a "huge financing deal" related to its new fleet in a remarkably quick time, according to its chief <keyword id="5863894" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="campbell-wilson" source="Orion">Campbell Wilson</keyword>. On February 14, Air India announced a historic order for buying 470 aircraft, including 250 from Airbus and 220 from <keyword id="6357957" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="boeing" source="Orion">Boeing</keyword>. Besides, there is an option to buy another 370 planes from the two plane makers. It was also the first time in more than 17 years that Air India, which was taken over by <keyword id="6355725" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tata-group" source="Orion">Tata Group</keyword> from the government in January last year, placed orders for new planes. In his weekly message to the staff on Friday, Wilson said he wants to commend "the commercial, strategic procurement, finance, treasury and legal teams for successfully putting together a huge financing deal related to our new fleet in remarkably quick time...it was another historic achievement for the new Air India". Specific details could not be immediately ascertained. Wilson, in an interview with PTI last month, said that a lot of money is being invested in the airline. "<keyword id="10439307" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tata-group-air-india" source="Orion">Tata Group Air India</keyword> has invested at a list price of USD 70 billion for the 470 aircraft. That is with the explicit purpose of providing more services, especially international connectivity. We ultimately do that for many reasons and one reason is that we get economic returns from that investment. "I think, if the traffic is siphoned off throughout the places, just makes it more and more difficult for us to have non-stop services and ultimately, customer loses as they will not have any option of non-stop service," he had said. The response was to a query related to bilateral flying rights. The order for 470 planes comprises 40 Airbus A350s, 20 Boeing 787s and 10 Boeing 777-9s wide-body aircraft as well as 210 Airbus A320/321 Neos and 190 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle aircraft. In the message, Wilson -- CEO and Managing Director -- also mentioned the diversion of the AI 173 Mumbai-San Francisco flight this week and about the handling of the situation. He said it was a "team Air India effort". "From the affected crew and onboard staff helping stranded customers on the ground, to the engineering, flight ops, inflight services, insurance and other folk preparing and operating the relief flight. "From our customer service and communications teams assisting customers and engaging media, to our government and regulatory teams keeping their counterparts informed, and everyone else who played a role," he said. On June 6, AI 173 operating from Delhi to San Francisco carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew on board was diverted to the Magadan port city in far east Russia following a mid-air glitch in one of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft engines. All were stranded in the port city for two days and the replacement aircraft ferried them to San Francisco on June 8. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/marine-species-including-whales-and-dolphins-under-significant-threat-from-noise-pollution/articleshow/100877522.cms">Marine species including whales and dolphins under significant threat from noise pollution</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/the-worlds-oceans-last-month-were-warmer-than-any-other-may-since-the-beginning-of-the-19th-century/articleshow/100875382.cms">The world's oceans last month were warmer than any other May since the beginning of the 19th century</a>

Air India puts together 'huge financing deal' for new fleet: CEO

In a major development, the <keyword id="64630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Commercial-Pilots-Association" source="Orion">Indian Commercial Pilots Association</keyword> (ICPA) and the <keyword id="64606" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Pilots-Guild" source="Orion">Indian Pilots Guild</keyword> (IPG) of <keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> have rejected the new pay structure proposed by the airline. The primary bone of contention is the reduction in flying allowance from 70 hours to 40 hours every month under the new structure, which the pilots believe is unfair. The two unions have warned of possible 'industrial unrest' if the management goes ahead with the new terms without their consent. While Air India has stated that it will "continue to engage with the remainder of its staff", the airline has taken a tough stance on the issue, saying that there are "no recognised unions in Air India". This is the first wage revision offered by the Tata group-owned Air India since its takeover last year, and it will affect all 3,000 pilots across its four airlines - Air India, <keyword id="6378232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-India-Express" source="Orion">Air India Express</keyword>, <keyword id="1625599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Asia-India" source="Orion">Air Asia India</keyword>, and <keyword id="2467342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vistara" source="Orion">Vistara</keyword>. The pilots' unions have instructed their members to reject the new employment conditions and wage structure offered by the management. An agreement has been put in place for the employees to sign by April 25, but the two unions have stated that they will contest the terms and conditions, with their pilots refusing to sign the revised employment and compensation terms. The two unions have warned of potential industrial unrest if the company takes any coercive or victimising action against their members. In a joint statement, the unions stated that the company reiterated that "all previous understandings, representations and agreements of whatever nature that have been entered into with us are null &amp; void and that the company further has the right to change any terms and conditions". "The term cost to the company for an assumed flying of 70 hrs is deliberately misleading and creates an impression of a generous compensation and accompanying benefits package. The actual guaranteed money being offered is only for 40 hrs. Effectively, any time a pilot is on leave or is unavailable due to recurrent training requirements or document/licence renewals, not to mention any sick leave, there is an automatic pay cut involved," the statement read. "The so-called rationalisations of allowances is not in line with any industry practices as projected by HR. Further, blanket consent is sought for any leave or insurance policy that the company may come up with &amp; which is subject to amendment or outright withdrawal. "Suffice it to say that this is not an all-inclusive list but merely a selection of some of the most outlandish and labour-hostile provisions that we have come across to date. This is dishonourable and how the management is trying to force it down the employees' throats is outright unethical," it added. "Nor has the blatant attack on our rights as workmen to bargain collectively or seek legal redressal for any injustice or victimisation gone unnoticed. Where is the company requirement all of a sudden to forcibly promote almost all the permanent workmen of the union to the so-called Senior Commander management cadre? It is clear from all this that there is a concerted effort to gut the unions and isolate pilots into individual boxes where they can be exploited and victimised at will by the HR department," the statement said. Meanwhile, Air India's spokesperson has defended the new compensation structure, which includes parity among different groups, recognition of managerial and supervisory roles for experienced pilots, and individual contracts sent to pilots and cabin crew for necessary paperwork. "The managerial and supervisory role played by the experienced pilots is also being recognised in the form of designating them as Senior Commander as also offering them a special monthly allowance. The contracts reflecting these enhancements were individually sent to the pilots and cabin crew for necessary paperwork," said the spokesperson. The spokesperson also claimed that a large number of pilots and cabin crew have already accepted the new contracts, and the salary improvements and advancement opportunities they enable. "The airline will continue to engage with the remainder of its staff through this process as currently there is no recognised union in Air India," the spokesperson said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/rils-q4-to-be-driven-by-sustained-momentum-in-retail-business-o2c-to-see-modest-growth/articleshow/99629278.cms">RIL’s Q4 to be driven by sustained momentum in retail business, O2C to see modest growth</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/condom-maker-mankind-pharmas-4326-crore-ipo-to-open-next-week-on-april-25/articleshow/99614288.cms">Condom maker Mankind Pharma’s ₹4,326 crore IPO to open next week on April 25</a>

Air India pilots' unions reject proposed pay structure, warn of industrial unrest

In what is seen as a major standdown, the pilots' union of <keyword id="2573" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="air-india" source="Orion">Air India</keyword> has withdrawn its opposition to the new wage pact and employment agreement. In a joint letter issued on Thursday, the Indian Pilots' Guild (<keyword id="179256" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ipg" source="Orion">IPG</keyword>) and Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) withdrew their stand and told their members that they are free to sign new wage contracts offered by the new <keyword id="6355725" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tata-group" source="Orion">Tata group</keyword> management of Air India. "As dedicated <keyword id="4746568" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="air-indians" source="Orion">Air Indians</keyword>, we believe it is crucial to express our readiness to settle the dispute at hand and find an amicable resolution for the benefit of both parties," the IPG and ICPA said in a joint letter to their members. The letter further read, "Over the past year, our attempts to reach a resolution have been hindered by a lack of cooperation from the management. Their unwillingness to address our concerns and apathetic attitude has resulted in a prolonged stalemate and escalating tensions." "Upon the assurances given in the online 'Townhall Meeting for Pilots' and in the interest of the aspirations of Air India, The <keyword id="8555" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tata" source="Orion">Tata</keyword> Group and our passengers, the Joint Directive No.01 of 2023, Sub: Unilateral Changes in Policies stands withdrawn," the letter titled as 'Withdrawn of Joint Directive Np01 of 2023', added. The announcement came after a joint meeting held on Thursday, wherein the unions' members were told that they are free to sign the new wage contract. Last month, the Tata Group-owned airline announced a new salary structure for pilots and cabin crew but the staff was disappointed with the revisions. Their main grouse was about promoting captains with more than four years of experience in management. In a communication to all employees including pilots and crew members in April this year, Air India management had said that they announced the revision of their employment contracts and revised compensation for flying staff. "I am reaching directly to our flying staff through this platform as currently there is no recognized union at Air India. This is within the framework of law," said Air India Chief Human Resource Officer Suresh Tripathi, had said in a video message. The airline had said that the contract sent is a compilation of applicable policies and existing rules. Wherever there are differences, their changes are introduced to have a performance and merit-based culture as would be the ask of any world-class and professionally run airline. In the last one year, they have been hearing all the concerns of their flying community through various forums and constant communication, the Air India management said. "Guaranteed flying allowance has moved upwards from existing 20 hours to fixed 40 hours. With our ambitious growth and large aircraft order, we as an organisation are confident to provide you more and more opportunities for flying. The fact remains that at 70 hours of flying, income across the board has increased. We are a productivity-oriented organisation, and anyone who is ready to contribute will grow and prosper," the airline had said. "Our Trainers who would be investing more time in training as we ramp up, have been given a significant increase in pay in the form of both fixed and variable. There is more than 40 per cent increase in the allowance for trainers," it added. Air India said flying allowance rates are one of the highest in the Indian industry, with even higher amounts beyond 40 hours. There used to be a difference in flying rates in the same pilot rank which has been done away with to promote fairness. They have introduced additional compensation during training of command upgrade and conversion training which was not existing earlier. There was not any service reward existing to recognise the contribution of experienced staff. A fixed amount has been added to salaries. "These are all changes we have introduced for the better and to become market competitive, which was a key ask. We have also introduced best-in-class employee insurance and other benefits which were not existing earlier at Air India to support the welfare of our flying staff," the airline's management had said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/adani-hindenburg-row-mauritian-minister-rejects-shell-company-allegations/articleshow/100164083.cms">Adani-Hindenburg row: Mauritian minister rejects shell company allegations</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/ipl-2023-scores-over-1300-crore-video-views-on-jiocinema-in-the-first-five-weeks/articleshow/100155165.cms">IPL 2023 scores over 1,300 crore video views on JioCinema in the first five weeks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/investment-supertrends-2023-ai-to-digitalisation-and-green-energy/articleshow/100126382.cms">AI to digitalisation and green energy: Supertrends defining investment for today and the future</a>

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