All-new Maharaja set for take-off

FOCUS ON ENHANCED IN-FLIGHT SERVICE WITH FINESSE. CHANGES IN GROOMING SOPS OF CABIN CREW

- ANEESH PHADNIS

Air India is set to enhance its in-flight service with a change in ownership from Thursday. This will include more variety in on-board meals, improved in-flight service procedures, and reintroduction of amenities.

Non-vegetarian meals are being introduced in the economy class of domestic flights after a gap of nearly four years. Seafood, including prawn, will be offered to first-class passengers on international flights. There will be greater choices in juices, hot beverages, and conserves.

While the upgraded menu was introduced on select flights on Thursday, these will be gradually rolled out on all flights over the next few days.

The emphasis will be on service with finesse, said a person in the know. Moreover, the idea is to provide better experience to passengers.

Air India used to carry out elaborate meal services in its first-class, but these were discontinued several years ago due to cash crunch. The airline's crew is undergoing refresher training on these service procedures as it looks to overhaul its image. This includes training on table-setting plating of meals course by course.

A spokesperson for Air India did not respond to an email query on the matter.

The airline is also bringing back certain amenities and services which were discontinued due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These include duvets, blankets, and pillows. Linen and hot towels, too, will be carried on board as was the practice earlier.