Photo Copyright Air India 2024
Go on, admit it, how many times have you really paid attention to the cabin crew's in-flight safety instructions or a video prior to departure? The crew mention the absolute imperativeness of flight safety because even though flying is safer than taking a car ride, there is a minute chance that things may suddenly go wrong, and that's where the crew truly earn their salaries.
But getting the pre-departure in-fight safety right is a challenging and tricky job. How do you project the instructions to those who don't speak English [or any local language]? The safety notifications may be boring, but they are super important, and airlines are well aware most of us chat, read or sleep through them. Because of this, several are producing more captivating videos. Various airlines have tried different methods to get the passengers attention, sometimes using humor for something that is very serious. Korean Air asked SuperM to help,British Airways featured Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ian McKellen, and Air New Zealand enlisted Lord of The Rings stars [they even had an ad with crew body painted!]. Australia's Qantas recently unveiled their in-flight safety video, but received some criticism from the public that at 10-minutes, the video is too long and many did not realize that it was an extended version for online viewing while the version played before flights was condensed to six minutes [still a bit long for many.]. Now, India's flagship carrier, Air India, is going through a massive transformation of it's branding, product portfolio and customer service, and one of the many ways Air India is trying to differentiate itself is by presenting itself in a more evolved way. With this, the airline has also unveiled a new [short] in-flight safety instruction video, that will be displayed in its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft to begin with and progressively rolled out on other aircraft. The new safety video, which was created in collaboration with renowned figures, including McCann Worldgroup, lyricist Prasoon Joshi, and singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, is just over four minutes long, presents the necessary safety instructions demonstrated through various Indian dance forms that representing the different regions and states of the country. “Presenting Air India’s new Safety Film, inspired by the rich and diverse dance traditions of India,” the airline wrote as a part of their X post. “For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk art forms have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction. Today, they tell another story, that of inflight safety. Presenting Air India’s new Safety Film, inspired by the rich and diverse dance traditions of India,” the airline wrote. While the crew make safety and commercial decisions on a daily basis with every flight and they are used to operating in an industry with a ‘just’ safety culture, so it is so important for airlines to get that serious message across. At the end of the day, in aviation, safety is everything and for an airline, it’s absolutely crucial to own up to mistakes so that lessons are learnt from others and if necessary, processes changed as a result.
There has been a mixed reaction to the safety video, which has been view over a million times on X.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, said, "As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is thrilled to unveil a masterpiece that not only imparts crucial safety instructions but also celebrates India's vibrant cultural tapestry to travelers worldwide. Our passengers will find this inflight safety video to be both engaging and enlightening, extending a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard." Some feel it is very creative and showcases the best of Indian hospitality while sharing a very serious message, and presents the best of the country to welcome international passengers as they commence their journeys, especially those who will never have been to India and are probably on an exciting trip to enjoy Indian culture, sights and smells! "I love the creativity of this [Air India] in-flight safety video expressed through classical Indian dance". was one of the comments, as per the screenshot below. 
On the other hand, I saw a number of Tweets that were critical of the fact that while it is creative, the actual safety element is missing.
"The video is so elaborate that the actual safety warnings are lost in dancing sequences. Pax should be able to easily understand safety demonstration without having to cut through unnecessary information. CAA & FAA has regulations pertaining to this. Does DGCA India have any?", was the comment on X posted by a user as per the below screenshot: 
Another one Tweeted that Air India "yet again makes a blunderous attempt at showcasing itself as a premier brand."
Photo Copyright Air India 2024
"This is a beautiful production, but sadly you have hidden the actual safety information in amongst the dancing that looks like a Bollywood movie," reads another comment.
Air India has been contacted for comment.  Air India has officially unveiled spanking new uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew, as part of the national flag carrier’s revamped brand identity following its acquisition by Tata Group last year. Showcased in a new video, the new clothing has been designed by Indian celebrity couturier Manish Malhotra, and includes ombré sarees and bandhgalas for cabin crew, and double-breasted suits for pilots. Junior female crew will sport ombré sarees in “vibrant red-to-purple”, matched with red blazers, while senior crew will wear sarees in aubergine-to-burgundy, combined with aubergine blazers.  The new uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, timed with the entry of service of Air India’s first Airbus A350. There will be the option to wear the sarees with trousers, which Air India said “provides greater flexibility to female cabin crew to choose the style they most identify with and brings a unique East-meets-West look”. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “Air India’s crew uniforms are amongst the world’s most storied in aviation history, and we firmly believe that Manish Malhotra’s innovative ensemble will script an exciting new chapter for Air India’s future narrative. It perfectly captures the essence of our new identity, service principles, and our pursuit of setting new benchmarks in global aviation.”  Manish Malhotra said: “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the national flag-bearer and showcase the elegance and charm of Indian fashion. My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while also embodying a modern and sophisticated look. By incorporating quintessential hues that are symbolic to India, I hope that these uniforms not only make the crew feel proud but also leave a lasting impression on the guests, representing the warmth and hospitality that India is known for.”  Earlier this year Air India unveiled its new livery and brand identity featuring a chakra-inspired pattern and a custom-made ‘Air India Sans’ font. 
Air India has shown off its new livery painted on the initial Airbus A350-900 aircraft due to join the flag-carrier’s fleet.
Tata Group-owned Air India has unveiled a sneak preview of the Airbus A350-900 aircraft painted in the new livery. Passengers will get to fly on the Airbus A350-900 aircraft from December this year. The airline said on the following on the social media platform X. "Here's the first look of the majestic A350 in our new livery at the paint shop in Toulouse. Our A350s start coming home this winter,"
Air India's first Airbus A350 at Toulouse: Photo Copyright Air India
Air India's first Airbus A350 at Toulouse: Photo Copyright Air India
 On August 10 at a packed conference room in New Delhi, Tata Group unveiled a new logo, branding and plane livery for Air India as part of a multi-million dollar transformation of the former state-run carrier. Air India’s new logo symbol – ‘The Vista’ – is inspired by the peak of the gold window frame, signifying limitless possibilities, progressiveness, and the airline’s bold, confident outlook for the future. Air India’s brand-new aircraft livery and design features a palette of deep red, aubergine, and gold highlights, as well as a chakra-inspired pattern. It also boasts a striking new custom-made ‘Air India Sans’ font, marrying confidence with warmth to position Air India as premium, inclusive, and accessible.  Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrashekaran and Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson during the unveiling of Air India’s new logo and livery colours, in New Delhi on August 2023.
It has been long awaited, and as Air India prepares to receive the first of its 470 aircraft on order, they will be carrying its new colors, creating a new association for passengers at home and globally. In a statement, the airline said, "The new design captures the essence of a bold new India, marking a milestone in the transformation of the national Indian institution into a national Indian and global inspiration." Air India will roll out the livery in December, featuring it on its inaugural Airbus A350. Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO & MD, said, "Our transformative new brand reflects an ambition to make Air India a world class airline serving guests from around the globe, and that represents a new India proudly on the global stage. The new Air India is bold, confident, and vibrant, but also warm and deeply rooted to its rich history and traditions that make Indian hospitality a global benchmark for standards in service." Air India is making significant investments throughout the guest experience to elevate its service and to strengthening its position as the preferred airline for travellers flying to, from, and within India:
   Air India, the national flag carrier of India, has really revamping its in-flight passenger experience offering. Proudly partnering with the international travel and lifestyle brand TUMI, Air India has certainly set sights in the right direction to impress airline passengers and make a mark in the world aviation scene. Perhaps this could be a hint of things to come, and especially to make the rest of the travel experience better, including seating, food etc.  “Designed for life on the move, TUMI is the leading international business, accessory, and travel lifestyle brand,” states Air India’s press release. Technical innovation paired with design excellence and unparalleled quality makes TUMI the leading luxury travel brand for the global citizen. The partnership was created in collaboration with Buzz, who helped spearhead the new amenities for the carrier. Air India’s collaboration with TUMI spans amenity kits for First Class, Business Class and Premium Economy passengers, as well as Sleepwear which will be available to First and Business Class passengers.  TUMI Sleepwear TUMI’s new sleepwear for Air India has been made with quality materials, considered design and sustainability in mind, the pajama's recycled materials are blended with cotton, for extra softness and breathability. Each sleeper suit is made using the equivalent of twenty-three 500ml plastic bottles, which will result in over 18 million plastic bottles diverted from landfill annually. Featuring a unisex design and crew neck style, the sleepwear comes in a two-tone grey marble colour, with contrasting white stitching. A prominent design element is the TUMI branding as well as accent highlights of TUMI red on the drawcord. The TUMI Sleepwear is provided to First Class and Business Class passengers in a functional and reusable cotton blend bag with a contrast TUMI red drawstring.   Photo Copyright Air India Air India customers on selected US routes can now purchase tickets for the carrier’s new premium economy product. The seat will initially be available on Boeing 777-200LR flights from Bengaluru to San Francisco, Mumbai to San Francisco, and Mumbai to New York, with tickets sales now open for travel from May 15. It is understood that the 777 aircraft have been leased from Delta, and feature the US carrier’s Premium Select seating, as well as its business class Delta One product. Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said: “The popularity of Premium Economy has grown among travellers around the world, as people are increasingly opting for upgraded, yet affordable flying experiences. We are delighted to introduce a distinctive Premium Economy experience for our customers on select flights for now, with a plan to extend it to many more routes soon, as we rapidly expand and modernise our fleet. This is another step forward in our sincere, ongoing effort to transform Air India into a modern, global carrier of world-class products and service standards.” Air India’s Premium Economy will offer an exclusive travel experience designed for customers who do not mind paying a reasonable premium over Economy Class fares to fly in style and enjoy a lot more space, comfort, and convenience. Fast-track airport experience: Premium Economy customers will be able to check-in at dedicated counters and have priority tags affixed to their check-in baggage, and also be amongst the first to be invited to board the aircraft. Separate, spacious cabin with wider seats: Premium Economy class on Air India’s Boeing 777-200LR aircraft features 48 leather-upholstered, memory foam seats that have 19 inches of width, 38 inches of pitch, and 5 inches of recline with adjustable leg rest and footrest, and winged headrests. The seats provide extra legroom for customers to stretch out during flight, enabling customers to rest or work in comfort. Amenities: Premium Economy customers receive a complimentary, elegant TUMI amenity kit (specially designed for Air India) consisting of a pair of flight socks, an eye mask, MALIN+GOETZ lip moisturizer, and a pen, in addition to carpet slippers. Customers also receive noise-cancelling headphones for use during flight to complement the experience of Air India’s In-flight Entertainment (IFE) system. Onboard dining: Customers will be welcomed on board Air India’s Premium Economy class with a welcome drink served on an elegant silver tray and a menu card reflecting a glimpse of a delectable culinary experience during the flight. On board, customers will be able to choose from a delicious selection of three meal choices for the main course, served on fine chinaware casserole, accompanied by an appetizer and dessert. The drinks menu includes a fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Photo Copyright Air India Air India, India’s leading airline and a Star Alliance member, launched its first-ever non-stop flight to London Gatwick, from Amritsar today. It has now become the first and only Indian airline to operate at Gatwick Airport— the second-largest airport in the UK. The services to Gatwick are in line with Air India’s ongoing endeavor of enhancing connectivity between India’s major cities and leading global destinations to provide more choices to its passengers. Equipped with 18 Business class seats featuring fully-flat beds and 238 Economy class seats, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will be operating three flights a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from Amritsar. In addition to the flights from Amritsar, Air India will operate 9 other weekly flights scheduled from Ahmedabad, Goa, and Kochi—making it a total of 12 weekly flights to Gatwick. These operations will reaffirm Air India's operations, presence, and network in the UK. In total, the airline now operates 49 flights in the UK per week— 43 flights to London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and six flights to Birmingham. Air India also operates 31 weekly flights to Heathrow, London from Delhi and Mumbai. The Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, General (Retd) V.K. Singh, and BJP National Secretary, Punjab, Mr. Tarun Chugh graced the virtual inauguration ceremony of the flight. They flagged it off along with Mr. Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Civil Aviation, and Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson. On the occasion, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, said, “It is a historic day for Amritsar and Punjab. This new connection will bring a new impetus to the state and provide key connectivity with the UK, bringing people closer. This will also boost trade and tourism and open up new employment opportunities.” Mr. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia also commended Air India for the fleet acquisition plan and expressed hope that Air India will soon connect all the continents and make India the global hub of aviation. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, said, “As part of our five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, we plan to significantly enhance connectivity between India’s major cities and prime global destinations and be acknowledged as India’s Flying Ambassador to the world. These flights will also fulfil the growing demand for direct air connectivity from various important destinations in India to the UK and from the UK to these popular cities in India.”  Golden Temple, Amritsar: Photo Copyright Reuters About Amritsar
Amritsar is the largest city in the state of Punjab, in the north of India and is a major cultural centre for the country. The Sikhs’ main place of worship, the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, is located in the heart of Amritsar and is well worth visiting for spirituality. Alongside the Golden Temple, the city has many spiritual and historical locations, such as the Partition Museum, Wagah Border and the Shri Durgiana Mandir, which can all be explored. The Punjabi culture is unique and beautiful, and by visiting the Sadda Pind, which is a Punjabi Culture Living Museum, you have the opportunity to authentically witness the culture through folk dances, cultural performances, local handicrafts, songs, stories and the cuisine; it is an amazing experience for both the young and old, which can be experienced as a single day visit or a stay visit. Many festivals take place each year in Amritsar, and we highly recommend experiencing, as they’re filled with feasting, traditional music, dancing and fairs, producing a memory that’ll last a lifetime. Punjabi cuisine is recognized and enjoyed all around the world, with some of the best being found around Amritsar, where you can even try some of the city's own specialties.  Photo Copyright Air India 2017 The national flag carrier of India, Air India says it has made the first passenger journey around the world operated by an all-women crew. The Air India flight departed from New Delhi (DEL) to San Francisco (SFO) on Monday 27th February and returned to the Indian capital on Friday 3rd March. The Boeing 777-200LR flew over the Pacific Ocean on its trip to the US, while its return flight was over the Atlantic, encircling the globe, the company said. Air India says it has applied for an entry on the Guinness World Record. The airline confirmed that the check-in and ground handling staff, the engineers who certified the aircraft and the air traffic controllers who authorised the departure and arrival of the plane were also all women. Air India also becomes the first Indian carrier to operate on the Pacific Ocean route which has reduced the total flying duration by three hours. Photo Copyright Air India 2017  Captain Kshamta Bajpayee (right) said the flight is a 'symbol of women empowerment'. Here she is pictured along with Captain Sunita Narula, Capt Indira Singh and Capt Gunjan Aggarwal  |
 Navjot inside an Airbus A320 cockpit of British Airways at Heathrow Airport About Airline PRThis is a special section on Airline Branding, and Airline Public Relations written by me on all the flights I have been fortunate enough to have been on. These are not records taken from somewhere else, but are actual flights I have been on. Most of the flight trips are officially sponsored by the airline companies in order to promote their certain routes, and aircraft. Airline promotion and PR related work in the aviation industry is one of my expertise. 
Navjot at a Chinese Military Airfield
Watch exclusive videos below taken in the cockpit of a Boeing 777-300ER in-flight over Chinese Airspace.
Special thanks goes to Turkish Airlines B777-300ER Cockpit Video 1B777-300ER Cockpit Video 2
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