The national carrier– Air India– will not be serving non-vegetarian food to those travelling in the economy class of domestic flights. This move comes soon with the rumours of Air India divestment. The amendment is seen as one of the many cost-cutting measures adopted by the company facing a debt of around Rs 55,000 crore. However, non-vegetarian food will continue to be served for passengers in the business and first class.
“We have made it veg only to reduce both wastage and cost,” Air India chairman and managing director Aswani Lohani said reported Hindustan Times. According to sources, this move is an extension of a December 2015 order, which stopped non- vegetarian food in under 90-minute duration flights.
“It will be wrong to call it a ban. We have stopped serving non-vegetarian food in the economy class. We had stopped it for flights under 90 minutes duration. This will now be spread to all flights,” said a senior AI official in Delhi.
According to HT reports, the ban of non-veg food on domestic flights for the economy class will also ensure that vegetarian and non-vegetarian food do not get mixed up. The move is expected to come under heavy criticism with most low-cost carrier planes giving passengers the option of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
“Air India has taken a conscious decision not to have non-veg in economy class on its domestic flights to reduce wastage, cost and improve the catering service,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Here’s how Twitterati reacted on this:
#AcheDin @airindiain https://t.co/NqywjJIKKg
— Riyaz Nazimudheen (@riyazn123) July 10, 2017
Why no meat on Air India? To cut costs?
What next, benches instead of individual seats?— Prince Madathileth (@revprince) July 10, 2017
I think @airindiain unaware about tomatoes soar to Rs 60-80 a kg in retail markets!
— Suhail Parkar (@Suhailparkar) July 10, 2017
#AirIndia serves only veg food on economy flight. What next? Any dress code for economy travellers?
— Prasad Munje (@prasadmunje) July 10, 2017
