Air India goes vegetarian to cut costs

Air India will only serve vegetarian meals to passengers on its all-economy class domestic flights in future, as a means of reducing costs.

The Economic Times reports that the debt-laden national carrier has already implemented the vegetarian initiative on flights of less than 90 minutes, and will now expand it to all domestic sectors. Meat dishes will continue to be served on international routes.

“Air India has taken a conscious decision not to have the non-vegetarian meal in economy class on its domestic flights to reduce wastage, reduce cost and improve catering service,” GP Rao, Air India’s general manager for corporate communications was quoted saying.

Some analysts have queried the move however, saying that Air India should offer the option of purchasing in-flight food as a means of boosting ancillary revenues, rather than limiting its options.

The airline previously served vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches and snacks on domestic routes, but these will now be replaced by an “all-vegetarian” hot meal.