Originally Posted by
SeeBuyFly
If I am reading the news reports correctly, they will merely
start refurb this summer, it's not that the whole fleet will go for refurb this summer (they don't have enough substitute planes to do that). They say the process will run through 2027, so one could encounter broken seats and broken IFE for at least another three years, and more if the schedule slips as it probably will.
https://www.financialexpress.com/bus...urces-3272438/
[Admittedly, the web special J fares for my desired dates are very tempting and sharply undercut the ME3 fares---as they should, given the vast differences.]
Yeah these refurbs take an enormous amount of time. And even if AI wants to send all their 77Ws together, no MRO is going to be able to handle that kind of work load WRT parts, equipment or manpower. So it of course will be a slow process. It's taking airlines 2-3 years to restart (I'm sure there's a better term for it) COVID grounded planes. The refit is a massive massive operation. Certainly AI should be clearer about timelines and expectations.
And it's quite a change to hear that AI is more competitive than ME3 fares. Usually they play on their direct to India/US card and have a price premium. Also compared to the ex-DLs... yeah sure QR is still miles ahead... in terms of planes, lounge etc. EY maybe slightly. EK... nah....