In the ever-evolving world of premium air travel, airlines are in a constant race to offer the most luxurious and seamless experience possible. For a long time, Air India’s business class product has been a mixed bag, with an aging fleet and inconsistent service. However, under the Tata Group’s ownership, a monumental transformation is underway. The airline is investing a staggering $400 million in a complete fleet retrofit, introducing new aircraft, and revamping its on-ground and in-flight services. But has this change made Air India’s business class truly competitive in 2025? We take a deep dive to find out if the price tag is justified.
The New Flagship: A350 Business Class 🤩
The biggest game-changer for Air India’s premium passengers is undoubtedly the introduction of the new Airbus A350 aircraft. This isn’t just a new plane; it’s a completely reimagined business class experience. On routes like Delhi to London Heathrow, New York (JFK), and Newark, passengers can now experience a Collins Horizon Premier business class suite in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration. This layout is a massive step up, ensuring that every seat has direct aisle access, a crucial feature for a premium cabin.
The suite-like design on the A350 is a highlight, offering a new level of privacy. With sliding doors and high walls, you feel cocooned in your own personal space, making it easy to relax or work without interruption. The ergonomic seats are incredibly comfortable and transform into a fully-flat bed measuring a generous 79 inches in length.
This is a game-changer for long-haul flights, as a truly flat bed is essential for a good night’s sleep. The cabin feels spacious and calming thanks to its light, neutral colours and tailored mood lighting designed to regulate circadian rhythms.
Key Highlight Features (Air India A350 Business Class)
| Feature | Description |
| Seat Configuration | 1-2-1 staggered layout 💺 |
| Privacy | Sliding doors for a private suite experience |
| Bedding | Fully-flat bed, thick mattress topper, and plush duvet |
| In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) | 21-inch HD touchscreen, latest-generation Panasonic eX3 system with over 3,800 hours of content 🎬 |
| Connectivity | Universal sockets and USB ports, onboard Wi-Fi 📶 |
| Amenities | Bespoke amenity kits, lounge pajamas, noise-canceling headphones |
| Storage | Cavernous personal storage cupboard, wardrobe, shoe drawer |
| Dining | Refreshed menu with authentic Indian and global cuisine, served on new chinaware and glassware 🍽️ |
The Ground Experience and Lounges 🛫
A premium journey starts on the ground, and here, Air India is making strides, though consistency can still be an issue. At major hubs like Delhi, the experience at the Encalm Privé Lounge at Terminal 2 is top-notch. It’s a vast space with a massive buffet of hot and cold food, a proper bar with attentive bartenders, and ample seating. This is where the airline truly shines on the ground, offering a comfortable and premium pre-flight environment.
However, the lounge experience at some international airports, such as JFK, can be underwhelming. While they are clean and quiet, they may lack the extensive buffet, shower facilities, or a wide selection of premium alcoholic beverages found in lounges of competitor airlines. Boarding procedures, while generally efficient for business class passengers, can be chaotic at times, as reported by some travelers.
The airline’s new Maharaja Club loyalty program, which replaces Flying Returns, is a welcome change, being spend-based with no blackout dates and family pooling options. This is a significant move towards a more customer-centric approach.
The In-Flight Dining Experience 😋
Air India has long been known for its delicious Indian cuisine, and the refreshed menus in 2025 continue this tradition. On long-haul flights, passengers are treated to a white-tablecloth dinner service with multiple courses. Appetizers like chicken tikka with mango chutney, presented beautifully with edible flowers, are a treat.
The main course options typically include a choice of Indian and international dishes. The grilled chicken with braised vegetables and the salmon teriyaki have received positive reviews for their flavour and quality. The onboard service is now more polished, with crew members actively clearing trays and attending to passengers.
The culinary experience is further elevated by the new chinaware, glassware, and cutlery, adding a touch of elegance to the meal service. The dessert options are a delightful finish, often including traditional Indian sweets like rasmalai and gulab jamun alongside contemporary pastries.
While the food is generally excellent, some reviews suggest that the pacing of meal service could be more efficient, especially for overnight flights where passengers want to maximize sleep time. The availability of Champagne and a good selection of wines is a notable improvement, showing a commitment to a premium offering.
The Service and Crew 👨✈️👩✈️
The service on board is a critical element of the business class experience, and this is an area where Air India has shown significant improvement, albeit with some inconsistency. Many travelers report a warm, proactive, and professional crew, especially on flights operated by the new A350. Flight attendants are often praised for their attentiveness, remembering passenger requests and making them feel genuinely cared for. Some have even noted personal touches, like a crew member checking in multiple times after a minor incident.
However, older aircraft still flying in the fleet can sometimes have a less polished service. The ongoing retrofit program and a focus on training are key to bringing the service standard to a consistently high level across the entire fleet. The crew on the new A350 aircraft is often lauded for being exceptionally friendly and efficient, a clear sign that the new Air India is taking service quality seriously. They are more than just flight attendants; they are ambassadors of the new Air India.
The Legacy Fleet: A Mixed Bag 💼
While the A350 is setting a new benchmark, it’s important to remember that not all Air India flights are operated by this brand-new aircraft. The airline’s fleet includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777s, which are currently undergoing a major retrofit. The business class on these older aircraft is often configured in a 2-2-2 layout, which lacks the privacy and direct aisle access of the new suites.
The seats on the older fleet are lie-flat, but the lack of a personal enclosure can be a drawback for solo travelers. The in-flight entertainment systems on these planes can be outdated and sluggish, with a limited content selection. Some travelers have reported issues with power outlets and even non-functional IFE screens.
The good news is that the retrofit program, which started in early 2025, aims to transform these legacy aircraft. The first retrofitted A320s are already in service with a three-class configuration, including a new business class. This massive undertaking is expected to be completed by late 2025 for narrowbody aircraft and over the next two years for the widebody fleet. This will bring a much-needed consistency to the overall product. For now, it is essential to check the aircraft type before booking to know what kind of experience to expect.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Price? 🤔
So, the big question remains: Is Air India business class worth the price in 2025? The answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends heavily on the aircraft you are flying.
If you are flying on the new Airbus A350, the answer is a resounding YES. The product is truly world-class, competing with and even surpassing some of the best airlines in the world. The private suites, fully-flat beds, excellent IFE, and improved service make for an exceptional travel experience that is absolutely worth the premium. The price for a return business class fare from London to Delhi starts from around £3,179, which is competitive for the product offered.
If your flight is on a legacy aircraft like the Boeing 787 or 777 that has not yet been retrofitted, the value proposition is less clear. While you still get a lie-flat seat, the lack of privacy and outdated entertainment system can be a letdown. In this case, you are paying for the convenience of a flat bed and a more spacious cabin, but you might not get the full “suite” experience. However, with the retrofit program well underway, this inconsistency is a temporary hurdle.
Air India is on a clear path to becoming a premium global airline with an Indian heart. The investment in new aircraft and the ambitious retrofit program are testaments to this commitment. While the journey isn’t complete, the destination is a truly world-class product. For savvy travelers, checking the aircraft type is the key to unlocking an experience that can be truly luxurious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the key differences between the new A350 business class and the older fleet’s business class?
The main difference lies in the cabin configuration and privacy. The new A350 features a 1-2-1 staggered suite with sliding doors, providing every passenger with direct aisle access and a high degree of privacy. The older Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft, which are being retrofitted, typically have a 2-2-2 layout with no doors and staggered aisle access, offering less privacy. Additionally, the A350 has a superior in-flight entertainment system and better amenities like dedicated wardrobes.
Q2: Does Air India’s business class offer lounge access?
Yes, Air India business class passengers have access to lounges before their flight. In Delhi, they can access the excellent Encalm Privé Lounge at Terminal 2. However, the quality of lounges can vary by airport, with some international locations offering more basic facilities. The lounges generally provide complimentary food, beverages, and a comfortable waiting area.
Q3: Are pajamas and amenity kits provided in Air India Business Class?
Yes, on long-haul international flights, Air India provides a bespoke amenity kit and lounge pajamas for business class passengers, especially on the new A350. The amenity kit typically includes essentials like a dental kit, socks, an eye mask, lip balm, and lotion. This is a standard part of the premium offering, contributing to a more comfortable journey.
