Airlines

Air India introduces new inflight menu for international flights

In keeping with its ongoing commitment to enhancing the travelling experience for its passengers, Air India has updated the inflight food and beverage menus for all international flights.

The menus have been updated based on consumer feedback and are intended to provide tourists with a variety of gourmet meals, trendy appetizers, delicious desserts, and display showcase India’s unique culinary influence while adhering to the healthy eating trend. A variety of premium spirits are now available on the airline’s bar menu, along with a carefully curated wine list that includes top French and Italian wines.

Air India introduces new menu in domestic flights with trendy foods.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Air India’s First and Business Class customers who follow the vegan lifestyle will now be able to choose from a selection of delicious, plant-based meal options such as Subz Seekh Kebab, Thai Red Curry with Tofu and Vegetables, Broccoli and Millet Steak, and Lemon Sevaiyan Upma, Medu Wada and Masala Uttapam.

The new menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, across all classes, feature a mix of fusion dishes and classics such as Mushroom Scrambled Egg, Turmeric Chilli Omelette, Mixed Vegetable Paratha, Achari Paneer and Emmenthal Sandwich in Multigrain Bread, Grilled Prawns in a Fennel Cream Sauce, Murgh Rezala Kofta, Murgh Elaichi Korma, Classic Chilli Chicken, Chicken Chettinad Kathi Roll, Baked Fillet of Fish with a Herb Almond and Garlic Crust, Masala Dal and Brown Rice Khichdi with Sprouts, Roast Tomato and Bocconcini Caprese with Kalamata Olives and Pesto, and Classic Tomato and Coriander Shorba with Crisp Namakpara, among others.

Air India guests will also be able to revel in the decadence of dessert offerings such as Mango Passionfruit Delight, Quinoa Orange Kheer, Espresso Almond Crumble Mousse Cake, Khajur Tukda with Kesar Phirni, Single Origin Chocolate Slice, Chum-Chum Sandwich with Blueberry Sauce, and a seasonal fruit selection.

JetBlue’s Latest Onboard Food and Beverage Offerings(Opens in a new browser tab)

Customers on board will be able to indulge in sophistication with Air India’s bar menu, offering a fine wine list, including Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut champagne, wines from the renowned vineyards of Château de l’Hestrange, Les Oliviers, Chateau Milon, and Piedmont region of Northern Italy. In addition, the new beverages menu features a range of whiskeys, gin, vodka, and beers of premium brands.

Ranging from the sparkling effervescence of fruity blends to the aromatic zest of spices, Air India’s selection of mocktails such as Virgin Mary, California Orange, Apple Spritzer, and juices would offer an array of flavours to fulfill the fine dining experience. For customers who like to unwind with a hot beverage, a freshly brewed cup of coffee (Classic Coffee Blend and Cappuccino) or tea (Assam, Green, Earl Grey, and Masala) would also be available.

Airlines

IndiGo Awards 45-Day Bonus to Employees Equivalent to 1.5 Months’ Salary

IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has made headlines with its latest announcement of a generous reward for its workforce, celebrating their exceptional contributions throughout the fiscal year 2024.

In a move aimed at recognizing and appreciating their outstanding performance, the company has unveiled the “Thank You Bonus,” equivalent to 1.5 months’ basic salary. This bonus will be disbursed as an ex-gratia payment alongside the May 2024 salary.

The decision comes on the heels of remarkable financial achievements for IndiGo, marked by a notable surge in profits during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024. With a staggering 110% increase in profits, the airline reported standalone profits of Rs 2,998 crore for the quarter ended December 31, compared to Rs 1,423 crore in the same period of the previous year.

IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, has consistently emphasized the company’s resilience in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. This substantial bonus underscores the company’s positive trajectory and its commitment to recognizing and rewarding the dedication and hard work of its employees.

Beyond financial success, IndiGo is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. The Thank You Bonus initiative is not just about monetary appreciation but also about empowering every member of the IndiGo family, including specially-abled colleagues, by providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities.

Moreover, this move reaffirms IndiGo’s core values of providing an affordable, punctual, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers. The airline has consistently prioritized accessibility, ensuring that all its facilities, technologies, information, and privileges are accessible to persons with disabilities.

In sum, IndiGo’s decision to award a 45-day bonus to its employees amid significant profits not only reflects the company’s financial success but also underscores its commitment to its workforce and its values of inclusivity, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Airlines

A New Player Takes Off: Embraer Poses a Formidable Challenge to Boeing

In the midst of ongoing challenges faced by Boeing and the aviation industry at large, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has been thrust into the spotlight.

Recent reports suggesting that Embraer is eyeing the development of a next-generation narrow-body aircraft have sparked intrigue and speculation. However, the company has swiftly moved to quash such rumors.

Internal assessments conducted within Embraer have indeed highlighted the company’s impressive technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities. These findings have led some to speculate about the potential for Embraer to enter the narrow-body aircraft market, traditionally dominated by industry giants Boeing and Airbus.

In light of Boeing’s recent challenges, including the protracted grounding of its 737 MAX jets and leadership upheavals, some industry analysts have suggested that there may be an opportunity for smaller players like Embraer to disrupt the market duopoly. Airbus, too, has plans to introduce a new narrow-body aircraft in the future, further intensifying competition in this space.

However, despite the potential openings created by Boeing’s troubles, Embraer appears cautious about overextending itself. The company is currently focused on maximizing the success of its existing portfolio, which includes the innovative E2 aircraft series.

Additionally, the emergence of alternatives such as China’s Comac C919 adds another layer of complexity to the competitive landscape. While the C919 has thus far secured orders primarily from Asian carriers, Boeing’s challenges could prompt airlines worldwide to explore alternative options.

Airlines

Air India Revised Baggage Rules for Domestic Flights

Air India Trims Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights

Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has implemented significant changes to its baggage policies, affecting travelers across various fare classes.

Effective May 2, 2024, the airline has rolled out a revised baggage allowance scheme, marking a reduction in the permitted weight limits for most fare categories. Under the updated guidelines, passengers booking economy and business class tickets will notice a decrease in their baggage allowance by 5 to 10 kilograms compared to previous allowances.

These adjustments reflect Air India’s response to market dynamics and regulatory requirements. In the Economy Comfort category, encompassing S, T, U, and L fare classes, travelers will now have a baggage allowance of 15 kilograms, down from the previous 20 kilograms. As reported by livefromalounge.

Similarly, passengers availing themselves of Economy Comfort Plus, including G, W, V, Q, and K fare classes, will see their baggage allowance reduced to 15 kilograms from the earlier 25 kilograms.

However, not all fare classes are subject to reductions. Economy Flex passengers, represented by the H, M, B, and Y fare classes, will maintain their previous baggage allowance of 25 kilograms.

In the business class segment, changes are also evident. Business Comfort Plus, consisting of Z and J fare classes, will now offer a baggage allowance of 25 kilograms, down from the prior 35 kilograms. Meanwhile, passengers booking Business Flex tickets under the D and C fare classes will have a revised baggage allowance of 35 kilograms, compared to the previous 40 kilograms.

For passengers planning their upcoming journeys with Air India, it is essential to review the updated baggage policies to ensure compliance and avoid any inconvenience during their travel experience.