An Air India aeroplane. PTI file photo
New Delhi, June 3
In a novel gesture to honour armed forces personnel, national carrier Air India will allow recipients of war and peace time gallantry awards to upgrade to the business class if vacant seats are available at the time of boarding.According to Air India, the soldiers who have been bestowed with military honours such as Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Vir Chakra (VC), Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, will get an upgrade to business class from economy at the time of boarding in case seats are available in the aircraft from this month.”If seats are available, we will upgrade these awardees to business class at the boarding gate,” an Air India official said.The decision to upgrade these recipients of various gallantry awards to a higher class, which is effective from this month, is an initiative of Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, he said.The Indian Armed Forces are eligible for various military decorations, which are awarded for extraordinary bravery and courage, as well as distinguished service during times of war and peace.Domestic carriers, including Air India, already provide a 50 per cent discount on basic fare on select classes on their domestic network to active Military personnel of Indian Armed Forces and their family members travelling at their own expense.The upgrade scheme, according to Air India, can be availed on the production of identity cards at the airline’s check-in counters. — PTI
Air India to allow gallantry award recipients free upgrade to business class
Soldiers who have been bestowed with honours such as Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and Kirti Chakra, will be eligible for this gesture by Air India.
In a novel gesture to honour armed forces personnel, national carrier Air India will allow recipients of war and peace time gallantry awards to upgrade to the the business class if vacant seats are available at the time of boarding.
According to Air India, the soldiers who have been bestowed with military honours such Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Vir Chakra (VC), Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, will get an upgrade to business class from economy at the time of boarding in case seats are available in the aircraft from this month.
“If seats are available, we will upgrade these awardees to business class at the boarding gate,” an Air India official said.
The decision to upgrade these recipients of various gallantry awards to a higher class, which is effective from this month, is an initiative of Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani, he said. The Indian Armed Forces are eligible for various military decorations, which are awarded for extraordinary bravery and courage, as well as distinguished service during times of war and peace.
Domestic carriers including Air India already provides a 50% discount on basic fare on select classes on their domestic network to active Military personnel of Indian Armed Forces and their family members travelling at their own expense.
The upgrade scheme, according to Air India, can be availed on the production of identity cards at the airline’s check-in counters.
COMMENT
There is need to review the order. If its a question of Gallantry awardee only than what about the dependents( especially wife) of martyrs who were bestowed award posthumously. Knowing fully well that the percentage of gallantry awardee are few and not many travel by Air India ,thus seems to be the generosity by air India.
Rather the veterans above 75 and disability soldiers with imputed limbs lost in operation should had been added if recognition for armed forces to be recognized.
It an opportunity,location and act of bravery of sacrifice before self which earn such medals but not every one does not get an opportunity
Col Charanjit Singh Khera(Retd)
Gen Secy
Ex-Servicemen Joint Action front
(Sanjha Morcha)