Air India Flight AI301 may be losing $125k a day, but can it win over our reviewer?

IT’S far from full, so be prepared to stretch out and settle in with a few Bollywood movies on board this Dreamliner flight.

The economy seats are roomy and with the flight less than 80 per cent full, there’s plent

THE image of the bowing, mustachioed maharajah with his distinct red turban and Nehru jacket is the enduring icon of Air India, an airline that has operated in various forms since 1932.

As a government enterprise, Air India has endured frequent lampooning as a clumsy, unwieldy bureaucracy and in 1997 the airline ceased flights to Australia during a particularly turbulent period when a great deal of restructuring took place.

This uncertainty also delayed Air India’s entrance into the global Star Alliance network, an integration that looks to be finally complete in July this year. When complete, passengers will not only be able to earn more points, but utilise partner lounges.

When the airline announced a resumption of direct services to Australia in July last year, the news caught the attention of media at both ends of the route.

With Australia and India enjoying a healthy resurgence in mutual visitation, it seemed a natural choice to employ one of Air India’s 14 smart, new and efficient 787 Dreamliners on the Delhi-Sydney-Melbourne triangular route.

The economy seats are roomy and with the flight less than 80 per cent full, there’s plenty of space to stretch out.

Despite what seemed like an obvious decision, the route is reportedly losing $125,000 a day and failing to meet projected passenger loads of 80 per cent. This was certainly the case when I travelled on Air India flight 301 recently.

While I enjoy the extra space and lack of queues on a lightly loaded flight, I lament for the airline who must endure the loss of revenue. Check-in at Sydney is performed by contractors, Toll Airport Services, and was effortless and relaxed.

I confess to a certain childish excitement as this was my first 787 flight on the much vaunted, state-of-the-art long-haul Boeing. Once aboard, I ogled the massive self-dimming windows, the wide IFE screen and enjoyed a comparatively generous 84cm economy class seat pitch complete with foot roller-massagers. Width is 43cm, recline 15cm. (Compare Qantas A380: 79cm/44.5cm/15cm)

Air India operates its 787-8 in a two class configuration, with 18 business class (lie flat) and 238 economy seats. The business cabin is arranged 2-2-2 and the economy 3-3-3 to make a total of 39 rows. Two pairs of twin seats occupy this back row.

If you’re looking for latest release English language films, you won’t have too many to choose from.

The cabin decor has garnered some curious remarks with an odd splatter of mustard and burgundy hues. The triple seat bench has no centre leg which conveniently allows for extra leg stretching and stowage.

With almost 12 hours in the air, I was looking forward to catching up with a few premiere movies, although with just four latest releases, the selection was pretty scant. Nothing like the jam-packed cavalcade I recall from Emirates and there was a predictable leaning toward Bollywood favourites. The headphones were better quality than normal, but the plug faced oddly outward into the aisle and was constantly knocked by passing passengers and trolleys. Bring your own MP3 player and plug it in (or charge it) from the USB. No Wi-Fi on board yet.

Meal service seemed to take longer than usual and when it arrived some hours into the flight, I was famished. The meal of fish, vegetable and rice was however fresh, pleasingly presented and thankfully satisfying with salad, bread roll, water and sweet pudding. Beverages are complimentary. A second meal was served later in the flight offering a choice of fish, chicken or vegetarian.

The first meal arrives several hours into the flight. Picture: Roderick Eime

Of course staff attitudes can vary according to the individual, but I’m pleased to say my stewardess was beautifully presented, patient and attentive. Despite a couple of prompts to get the occasional refill, nothing was deserving of complaint.

Arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is certainly a whole different affair from what I recall 10 years ago. The sparkling new $1.7 billion Terminal 3 opened in 2010 and a new runway was added about the same time. Now 35 million passengers pass through here every year.

On balance the new Air India experience was a pleasant and stress-free event. It remains to be seen, however, just how the airline would handle a passenger load of more than the anticipated 80 per cent. For now, it’s “jolly good”.

The Delhi-Sydney-Melbourne route is reportedly losing $125,000 a day.

More information: airindia.com

Insider tips:

Luggage allowance for economy is 20kg for a single checked bag and 8kg carry-on. Be aware that some domestic airlines in India have a 15kg check-in allowance.

Air India’s FF program is free to join. You can do this at check-in and enjoy an added 10kg baggage allowance on your return flight.

Indian airport security has its own curious regulations. For example carrying loose batteries is generally not allowed and photography in and around airports is a punishable offence. Yes, even selfies.

With careful timing and flexibility, one-way fares less than $1000 are possible.

As this is an alternating triangular route taking in both Melbourne and Sydney, travelling via the extra city can easily add a couple of hours to your overall travelling time.

Air India will join the Star Alliance network in July 2014.