[dropcap size=small]A[/dropcap]ir India is contemplating the introduction of paid meals for economy class passengers on select routes, this follows an already reduced inflight meal service on domestic flights up to 90 minutes. Air India is facing fierce competition and is looking to increase revenues and reduce costs.
The airline stopped serving hot meals and instead now offers snack boxes on Indian domestic flights with a flight time of up to 90 minutes. The Hindu Business Line reported today that the airline plans to start charging for food served to passengers on short flights of up to 60-90 minutes in duration. At this stage, this is a trial only, and a final decision on whether or not the new system will be introduced should be made in the second half of this year.
The airline’s competitors SpiceJet and Indigo do not provide free meals, and instead offer a buy on board and pre-order meal system for passengers. The prices for the new Air India meals are yet to be determined but should be released by the airline shortly.
