NEW DELHI: In a first of its kind initiative, Air India has decided to honour country's armed forces by inviting them to board first on all their flights, before any other passengers.
The National carrier's unique initiative--which began on the occasion of Independence Day--allows serving members from Army, Air Force and Navy board Air India flights even before passengers of first class and business class.
An Air India spokesperson confirmed the development and said Air India executive director Sarabjot Singh Uberoi recently conveyed this to top officials of the Armed forces.
From Tuesday onwards, the national carrier added a line on the new initiative in its boarding announcements, stating "Air India would like to invite serving members of our esteemed armed forces from Army, Air Force and Navy to board first."
The airline spokesperson said that instructions for effective implementation of the initiative has been passed on to ground handling officers and staff at boarding gates as well to make sure there is strict compliance of the new order.
Pertinently, the new order comes days after Air India stopped the provision of giving online concession to soldiers, making it mandatory for them to visit the booking office.
That order drew flak from some military circles.
However, Air India had said the decision was taken to stop misuse of the provision of availing concessionary fares.