2024 is set to be a transformational year for Air India, as the airline takes major steps towards revamping its entire operations.
Last month, Air India unveiled its first Airbus A350-900, which is currently operating domestic flights in India for crew familiarization. Once the A350s are deployed on long-haul flights later this year, Air India will also debut a new suite onboard amenities.
Today, Air India released a new in-flight safety video, called “Safety Mudras,” which blends essential safety instructions with the kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture.
Air India Unveils New In-Flight Safety Video
Air India has unveiled a new in-flight safety video, which is set to launch when the carrier’s new Airbus A350-900 aircraft are scheduled on long-haul routes later this year. Following that, it will eventually be progressively rolled out across the rest of Air India’s fleet.
The last iteration of Air India’s in-flight safety video debuted in 2012, when the airline launched flights on its then-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The new video, officially titled “Safety Mudras”, was developed in collaboration with Prasoon Joshi (conceptualization), Grammy Award-winning composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, and Bharatbala (director), with the intent of engaging passengers with India’s diverse culture while delivering safety information.
In the video, safety instructions are integrated with mudras (Hindi for hand gestures) in eight dance forms from around the country, which have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction for centuries: Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha.
Development of the new video spanned approximately six months, with creators travelling around India to capture some of the country’s most mesmerizing locations for the video.
The new in-flight safety video runs just under five minutes in length, and was released in English.
For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk-art forms have served as medium of storytelling and instruction. Today, they tell another story, that of inflight safety.
Presenting Air India’s new Safety Film, inspired by the rich and diverse dance traditions of India.#FlyAI… pic.twitter.com/b7ULTRuX1Z
— Air India (@airindia) February 23, 2024
Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, has the following remarks about the new in-flight safety video:
As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is delighted to present a work of art that is designed to deliver essential safety instructions while showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity to travellers around the world. Our guests will find this inflight safety video to be more immersive and informative, and a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard.
Another Step in Air India’s Transformation
The release of a new in-flight safety video is just the latest element in Air India’s transformation, with its ambitious plans to become a world-class airline with an Indian heart in the years ahead.
As it stands, Air India has taken delivery of two Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which are currently operating on domestic flights to familiarize crews.
In the coming months, Air India will continue to take delivery of more Airbus A350-900, with 14 more on order. These are in addition to existing orders for 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, 10 Boeing 777-900, 20 Boeing 787-900 aircraft, and many more narrow-body aircraft, over the coming years.
Later this year, the airline will begin refurbishment and retrofitting of its existing widebody fleet, which will see brand-new cabins in all classes of service. As the rollout of new and retrofitted cabins is implemented, passengers will also enjoy refreshed in-flight amenities, including a new entertainment system, crockery, bedding, and more.
Soon, Air India expects to relaunch its loyalty program, Flying Returns, and we should also hear more about its plans for a revamped food and beverage experience in the coming months.
Conclusion
Air India has unveiled a new in-flight safety video, entitled “Safety Mudras”, which highlights India’s vibrant culture while displaying essential safety information.
The new video will be debuted once Air India’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft are deployed on long-haul routes later this year, and from there, it will be rolled out across the carrier’s existing fleet.
This is the latest step in Air India’s transformation, with its goals to become a world-class airline in the years ahead.
