GoAir’s makeover plans to include premium seating

Mumbai: GoAir, the low cost airline promoted by the Wadia Group is planning to install premium seating on its flights as part of its makeover plans as it seeks to fill the niche between low cost and full service airlines.

According to company sources, this new class would feature two seats on either side of the aisle, with much more legroom than found in the conventional seating aboard an aircraft. Passengers would also be served free meals, and would have other facilities at their disposal such as seat selection, and tele check-in. Most of these features are traditionally part of the service compliment of full service airlines.

Reports indicate that the pricing and other aspects of the service are yet to be finalised. The class would be christened in accordance with terminology related to the word 'go'. Sources say GoAir is in the process of adapting its seating configuration to enable this change, and while the two-seat configure would resemble the business class of a number of airlines, it would not be as expensive.

Typically, low cost airlines feature a single aisle all – economy seating configuration for most the entire plane. Full-service airlines on the other hand have two separate seating configurations aboard the same aircraft, demarcated as economy or business. Additionally, international long – haul aircraft have a third class, deemed first class, which is even more luxurious than the business class.

GoAir's makeover plans are a part of its initiative to rebrand itself as a value carrier, in a niche between no-frills and full-service airlines. For now, GoAir is a no-frills, low cost carrier marketing light refreshments aboard its flights. Reports suggest that the airline would also have a frequent flyer programme, which is generally a feature offered by a full service airline.