AI crew forced to bunk with biz class

Mumbai: From what its cabin crew has to say, the Maharaja of Indian aviation is remiss in a) taking care of its employees, b) meeting the Director General of Civil Aviation's guidelines.
In a complaint to the DGCA, the crew alleges that Air India is violating guidelines set by the aviation watchdog by not providing them with flat beds on long flights.
Earlier, Air India was using the Boeing 777-200 series aircraft, which has separate flat beds especially for the crew.
But the state carrier is now using Extended Range aircraft, 777-300 ER for long routes like those to Toronto, Chicago, and Newark which does not have the flat beds. This led one of the crew members to complain to the DGCA about the violation.
"Earlier, we used to get a Boeing 777-200 for long distance flights, which has a separate rest room for the crew with flat beds as per the guidelines of the DGCA.
But a few weeks ago, the management decided to put the Extended Range aircrafts on the sector. So we are forced to use business class seats and cover them with curtains.
It is disturbing to both the passengers and the crew," said a crew member who did not wish to be named.
03/11/10 Bipin Kumar Singh/MiD DAY

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Categories: Air India - International Nov 2010, Air India Nov 2010