Photo: Air India Air India has introduced a multi-course, restaurant-style dining service for Business Class passengers on long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights, beginning with routes between India and the United Kingdom.
The enhanced service is initially available on flights serving London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham. Air India plans to expand it progressively across its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft, extending the offering to additional international routes.
Photo: Air IndiaThe new format replaces traditional tray-based meal presentation with individually served courses, linen-covered tables and dedicated tableware for appetisers, main courses and desserts. Passengers will also receive more personalised service and greater flexibility during the meal.
Rajesh Dogra, Air India's chief customer experience officer, said the change forms part of the airline's wider effort to improve the passenger experience while retaining the warmth of Indian hospitality.
The airline says the service is designed to make onboard dining more leisurely, with presentation and service intended to resemble a restaurant experience rather than a conventional aircraft meal.
Photo: Air IndiaThe dining service also introduces a bespoke tableware collection for Air India's Vista Verve service. The collection includes dedicated plates for different courses, as well as a signature glass and an espresso cup.
One of its distinctive elements is the Martaban-inspired cruet set. Based on traditional Indian jars used to preserve flavours and family recipes, the design brings a reference to Indian culinary heritage into the onboard dining experience.
The new tableware is part of Air India's broader investment in its premium offering, which also includes updated food and beverage menus, wine selections, tea options and cabin improvements.
The dining enhancement comes as Air India continues to modernise its fleet and onboard interiors. Its plans include adding Airbus A350s and Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured for the airline, as well as refurbishing older single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft with updated cabins.
The airline aims to offer a more consistent experience across its international network as these changes progress. The restaurant-style dining service will be introduced gradually, meaning availability may vary by aircraft and route during the rollout.
For passengers travelling in Business Class between India and the UK, the new service adds a more structured dining format. Further expansion will depend on Air India's planned deployment across its long-haul fleet.