Tata Group-owned Air India has informed its cabin crew that they will need to share hotel rooms with one colleague during layovers as part of several operational changes. This new policy, communicated through an internal memo, marks a shift from the current practice where cabin crew are provided with individual hotel rooms during overnight stays between flights. The move, according to sources, is intended to reduce costs and standardize procedures as Air India undergoes a major merger process. In addition to room-sharing, the airline is implementing changes such as increased allowances and enhanced gratuity payments to its employees.
This decision to have crew members share accommodations has sparked discussions within the aviation community and among the airline’s staff. Many cabin crew members are concerned about privacy and comfort during their layovers, which are typically used for rest and recuperation between long flights. Sharing rooms may introduce challenges in terms of personal space and restful sleep, both of which are crucial for crew members tasked with ensuring passenger safety and comfort during flights. However, the company has emphasized that these changes are part of broader measures designed to streamline operations and align policies across the different airlines within the group.
The room-sharing policy comes as the Air India group works to harmonize its policies amid a major restructuring. As part of the merger, four airlines owned by the Tata Group—Air India, Air India Express, Vistara, and AirAsia India—are being consolidated into two main entities: Air India, which will operate as a full-service airline, and Air India Express, which will focus on the low-cost market. Vistara, which has established itself as a premium full-service carrier in India, is being merged into Air India, with the goal of strengthening Air India’s position in both domestic and international markets. This merger process is expected to lead to a unified set of policies and standards across the entire airline group, impacting everything from operational procedures to employee benefits.
While room-sharing is one of the most visible changes affecting cabin crew, the internal memo also outlines additional positive changes aimed at boosting morale and compensating staff. The airline has committed to increasing layover allowances and raising gratuity payments, which are intended to offset some of the discomfort or inconvenience caused by the new room-sharing policy. These increases are part of the Tata Group’s broader strategy to retain talent and improve working conditions as Air India embarks on a journey to become a world-class airline.
The decision to implement room-sharing follows similar policies adopted by several international airlines that have faced economic challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the aviation industry. Airlines globally have sought to reduce costs through various means, including cutting back on employee accommodations, while still striving to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain skilled workers. In Air India’s case, the move could also be seen as an effort to bring the airline in line with international standards, where room-sharing among cabin crew is a common practice in some regions.
However, for many employees, especially those used to single-room accommodations, the change may be difficult to adjust to. Some crew members have expressed concerns about the practicalities of sharing a room with a colleague, such as managing different work schedules, personal habits, and ensuring adequate rest in a shared space. There are also worries about privacy and security, which are crucial considerations for employees spending long hours in transit across various locations.
Despite these concerns, Air India’s management remains focused on completing the merger process smoothly and positioning the airline for future growth. The Tata Group, which took control of Air India in 2022 after winning a bid to purchase the debt-laden national carrier, has been working aggressively to turn the airline around. The goal is to revitalize Air India and make it competitive with both domestic rivals like IndiGo and international carriers in the global aviation market.
As the airline integrates Vistara and the other entities into its operations, more changes to policies and employee working conditions are expected. The success of these efforts will likely depend on how well the company manages the balance between reducing costs and maintaining employee satisfaction. Cabin crew and other employees will play a critical role in shaping the customer experience, and their morale and well-being will be essential in delivering the kind of service that Air India aims to provide as it repositions itself as a leading full-service airline.
In conclusion, Air India’s decision to implement room-sharing during layovers is part of a larger set of changes aimed at harmonizing the airline group’s operations as it undergoes a significant merger process. While the policy has raised concerns among cabin crew, it is accompanied by an increase in allowances and gratuity payments to compensate employees. As Air India looks to transform itself into a competitive global airline, these changes reflect the broader efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs while navigating the complex process of consolidating multiple airlines into one cohesive entity.
