Noise-cancellation walls and ceilings promise to make your next domestic flight out to the remotest corners of the country devoid of engine buzz and other in-flight noise. Plus, electrochromatic windows will let you adjust the tint if you want to block out the glare for a quick snooze. Belt up for a super smooth ride. Did anyone say cattle class?

There's good news even as airfare wars rage on. When you do take a flight next year,u00a0airlines are competing to aim for a frequent flyer's biggest soft spot -- comfort on board. From seats that open up into beds and cleaner cabin air, domestic flights promise a brand new flying experience. Sunday MiD DAY gets you the lowdown from domestic and international carriers.


Former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on a flight
to Kochi FILE PIC

SpiceJet
The domestic airlines will add the Next-Generation 737 aircraft to its fleet next year. "Our objective is to make SpiceJet a reliable service which is easily accessible for an affordable price," says Neil Mills, CEO, SpiceJet Limited. For the airline's regional operations, a new fleet will be imported from Bombardier's Q400 line. "The SpiceJet Board has recently approved an order of upto 30 aircraft with deliveries commencing second quarter 2011," says Mills adding, " We expect to have a total of 75 aircraft in our fleet by end of 2013 which will include the new fleet of Q400 Bombardier aircraft as well as new Boeing 737 airplanes that will supplement our existing Boeing fleet."

Interiors and seating
"With larger stowage bins, passengers can store their luggage closer to their seats thereby reducing the anxiety they may have felt in the past. The bins pivot up out of the way and their shape adds to the open feel of the cabin. And finally, the combination of noise-dampening material against the airplane's interior skin and the design of the new integrated air grille will make the cabin quieter for a more comfortable flight," says Neil Mills, CEO, SpiceJet Limited.

The Q400 also offers an absolutely calm ride. "The Q400 are the most-technologically-advanced turboprop airliners and feature a revolutionary Noise and Vibration Suppression (NVS) system, which makes the aircraft the quietest, most vibration-free turboprop in the sky," says Mills.

New destinations
This year, the airline added Agartala and Madurai as new destinations and is planning on expanding next year as well. "As part of our new vision, we believe that the enormous potential in the Indian domestic market can be further tapped by enhancing regional connectivity in the country by focusing on Tier II and Tier III cities," adds Mills.

Air India
For a start, the much-delayed delivery of Boeing 787 Dreamliners is scheduled for 2011. The fleet was expected to be delivered in 2007.

Interiors and seating
Expect tinted windows on the 787 Dreamliner. The windows are also 65 per cent larger than on regular aircraft. The electrochromatic technology allows passengers to individually adjust the tint of their window. So all you have to do is darken the tint for a peaceful snooze when the glare of the sun turns intrusive. The 787 is also a quieter ride, with reduced engine noise and advanced vibration isolation in sidewalls and ceilings. The cabin air is filtered, to remove bacteria, fungi and viruses. Odours and irritants are also filtered, claims the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's website, adding that the aircraft also has fewer emissions making it more environmentally-friendly.u00a0

Food
On the 777 for international flights, the airline has introduced the Convenio meal service where passengers can choose his/her mealtime, doing away with the hassle of being disturbed during a mid-flight snooze.

In-flight services
You can also connect to electronic devices such as the laptop, MP3 player, mobiles and digital cameras via a USB port on the 777. "The new fleet of Boeing 777s, Airbus A319s, 320s and 321s is also equipped with in-flight entertainment to make the journey more enjoyable," says an Air India spokesperson.

Air Asia
The international airline connecting India to Malaysia and the rest of South East Asia has expansion plans.

More flights
Till date the airline connects nine Indian cities including the four metros, to South East Asia. "We will add more flights on the Chennai-Kuala Lumpur sector starting January," says Suresh Nair, Country Head, Air Asia. There are also plans to introduce a brand new aircraft model so "comfort will never be an issue for passengers."

Food
"We have recently introduced a pure vegetarian Jain food option on board," says Nair of the carrier that didn't serve Indian food earlier.

Why the US has an edge
between New York City and Washington DC alone, there are more than 100 shuttle flights in each direction every day. When travellers are able to choose between plane, bus or train, over 90 per cent choose to fly (which is cheaper per mile than car travel). Most of the airlines in US also offers WiFi connectivity on board, which is yet to be installed by any of the airlines in India.

Our wish list

A frequent flyer pulls out his wish-list for 2011
Homyar Sarkari, 37, a regional manager in the corporate sector said, "Normally I make three to four trips a month. There should be no delays, there should be enough leg room and the comfort of the passenger should be taken care of. The food served must improve. As of now, the state of in-flight food can only be described as pathetic. Above all, the ticketing should be fair because if someone's travelling on an emergency, they shouldn't be expected to shell out an exorbitant amount."

With larger stowage bins, passengers can store their luggage closer to their seats thereby reducing the anxiety they may have felt in the past.
Neil Mills CEO, SpiceJet