New Delhi : Air India passengers, even those travelling economy class, will soon be able to hire assistants to help complete check-in formalities, escort them through the security check and immigration, wait with them at airline lounges and steer them to their boarding gates in golf carts.An Air India official aware of the development said the services could cost between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000 per passenger, depending on the facilities availed.The state-owned airline has designed AI Sahyog Service for a category of passengers who wouldn’t mind paying a bit extra for negotiating their way through the airport in comfort.The service will also be available to passengers of other airlines as well, the official added.Earlier this year, the civil aviation ministry approved a “meet and greet” plan, under which airports across the country were allowed to hire a company for the facilitation of passengers at a price that entitles them to additional services.”Initially, the service will be offered at Delhi and Mumbai airports for departing, arriving and transiting passengers. Air India will continue to offer free assistance to passengers requiring special care/attention due to any physical injury or disability as mandated in DGCA rules,” the Air India official, who didn’t want to be named, said. DGCA is short for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Some private companies are already offering such services at Delhi airport after the new meet and greet initiative took effect earlier this year.
