New Delhi: It is the Maharaja's way of saying Jai Jawan. Air India has decided to upgrade gallantry award winners to business class on its domestic flights.

While the decorated soldiers or ex-servicemen will be given economy class boarding cards as per their tickets, they will be upgraded at the boarding gate subject to availability of seats in business class.

"We have taken this decision with immediate effect for Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra winners. We are proud of our soldiers and Air India chief Ashwini Lohani felt this is the least we can do to honour them," a senior official said.

To avail of the upgrade, the decorated soldiers will need to submit a copy of their identity card at the check-in counter. This facility will be only for the soldiers and not the family members accompanying them.

"The soldiers will be upgraded to business class on domestic sectors at the boarding gate, subject to availability of seats. Since the upgrade will happen at this point, the decorated soldiers holding economy tickets will, however, not be entitled for the business lounge facility," the official said.



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