Air India to allow gallantry award recipients free upgrade to business class

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