Since the Tata takeover, the soft product has improved a lot. The food is better, the Ferragamo amenity kits are a nice touch, and the crew are trying hard and eager to please. They still lack the polished service you’d find on the likes of EK and SQ, but they'll get there.
AI are currently hampered by the lack of newer aircraft. They have a huge order in place, but deliveries are delayed. At the moment, they use ex-Etihad 77Ws for their First routes, which are fine but a bit dated.
I dare say, once they start receiving new aircraft and the crew get used to delivering a higher level of service, they’ll have a much stronger game.