Airlines

Air India Commits over US$400m to Fully Refurbish Existing Widebody Aircraft Cabin Interiors

Air India spends $400 million refurbishing its aeroplane cabin.

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Completely new, latest-generation seats and inflight entertainment system to be installed in all cabin classes.
Premium Economy cabin to be introduced.
Regulatory and Engineering process has already commenced.

The top airline in India and a Star Alliance participant, Air India, has revealed intends to renovate its entire legacy wide-body fleet, which consists of 13 B777s and 27 Boeing 787-8s, investing more than US$400 million in the process.

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The interiors of the current cabins will undergo a comprehensive redesign as part of this renovation, including the installation of the newest seats and the finest in class inflight entertainment for all classes. Additionally, the
On both fleets, the addition of a Premium Economy cabin will result from refurbishment. The 777s will still have a First Class cabin. Leading London-based product design firms JPA Design and Trendworks have been hired by Air India to help with the cabin interior design components of this renovation initiative. The partnership brings together two aviation and interior design professionals who have created concepts for well-known companies including Taj Hotels, The Orient Express, and Herman Miller International.

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With this significant investment, Air India is committed to providing its passengers with a comfortable, modern, and technologically advanced cabin to facilitate travel experience that is comparable with the best airlines in the world.

The complete interior refurbishment entails significant regulatory and engineering preparation, which commenced earlier this year. This lengthy but necessary process, and the time required to manufacture seats, is expected to lead to the first aircraft entering service in mid-2024.

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.