Azerbaijan Airlines has launched “Air Tastes,” a pre-order meal service for economy passengers on select flights, with options starting at โฌ20.
The service offers three meal choices that completely replace the standard economy meal service.
Passengers must book through AZAL’s website or mobile app at least 24 hours before departure.
The program creates a two-tier system within economy classโpassengers who pay for Air Tastes receive upgraded meals, while others get the standard service.
Operational details
Air Tastes is currently available on select flights as AZAL tests whether passengers actually want this feature and how well it works operationally before expanding its rollout.
At โฌ20, the meals cost about 15-25% of a typical regional ticket price – not cheap, but not luxury pricing either.
Passengers book through AZAL’s website or app, but need to order at least 24 hours ahead.
Industry context
Regional carriers like AZAL are seeking new ways to compete with larger airlines that have more routes and resources. Charging for meal choice creates a revenue stream from something most airlines don’t even offer in economy.
The limited rollout makes sense – AZAL can figure out what works operationally and whether passengers actually want to pay โฌ20 for better meals before expanding the program.
It’s an innovative approach for smaller carriers: find something the big guys aren’t doing and turn it into a revenue opportunity.
Images courtesy of Azal Airlines
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nikโs expertise. When heโs not on the ground, youโll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.
