Airline Revises Travel Policy: Employees to Fly Economy on Domestic Work Trips

Private carrier Tata Airline announced on Monday that it has revised its travel policy. As per the new rule, all employees, including CEO Campbell Wilson, will now fly economy class for domestic work trips, replacing the previous policy which reserved business class seats for staff on duty (SOD).

An official stated, “The policy change will take effect from April 1 for top management (vice president and above) and from June 1 for all other staff.”

An Air India spokesperson confirmed, “With this change, we aim to prioritize our premium seats, including Business and Premium Economy, which are in high demand, for customer bookings, reflecting the customer-centric culture of the new Air India.”

A source within the airline, familiar with the developments, stated that since Tata’s acquisition of the airline in January 2022, there has been a rise in demand for premium seats. “It (the demand) for premium seats has grown to more than double now,” he added.

Also Read: KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty Welcome Baby Girl

airline informed about the change

The airline informed about the change in the policy via an email to its employees on Monday.

The airline official stated, “The email mentions that all staff on duty or employees traveling for work, including top management, will have a confirmed economy seat instead of the current confirmed business class seat.”

Another official said, “It also specifies that staff on duty can receive an upgrade to business or premium economy if a seat in either of the two sections is vacant for the flight.”

To be sure, airlines typically learn the number of unoccupied seats on a flight 50 minutes before the departure time.

Currently, Air India operates 53 Vistara A320 family aircraft, which offer premium economy seats to passengers following the merger. Additionally, the airline has added 14 new A320Neo aircraft featuring three-class configurations.

Also Read: Bengaluru: Wife, Mother Kill Man, Say Police