Air India Introduces Restaurant-Style Fine Dining In Business Class On Long-Haul Flights

Air India is introducing a new fine dining experience for Business Class passengers on select long-haul international flights. The service features multi-course meals, linen-laid tables and specially designed tableware, bringing a restaurant-style experience to the skies.

The service has been launched on flights between India and the UK, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham. Air India plans to gradually extend it to more international routes across its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Boeing 777-300 aircraft.

A New Way To Dine At 35,000 Feet

The new service moves away from the usual tray-based meal format, with each course served separately. Business Class passengers can expect individually plated appetisers, main courses and desserts, along with linen tablecloths and dedicated tableware.

The idea is to make in-flight dining more relaxed, allowing passengers to enjoy each course at their own pace. Cabin crew will also offer more personalised service, making the meal feel closer to dining at a restaurant than eating on a flight.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, said the new service is part of the airline's ongoing transformation. The aim, he said, is to offer a premium travel experience that meets global standards while retaining the warmth of Indian hospitality.

Tableware Inspired By Indian Heritage

The new dining experience also comes with a bespoke tableware collection for Air India's Vista Verve Business Class service. It includes plates for appetisers, main courses, snacks, desserts and cheese, along with a signature glass and a specially designed espresso cup.

The collection draws on Indian design and craftsmanship, giving the dining service a distinct identity. One of its highlights is the Martaban-inspired cruet set.

A Martaban is a traditional jar used in Indian homes to store ingredients and preserve flavours. Often associated with family kitchens and recipes passed down through generations, it is a familiar part of India's food culture.

Air India has reimagined the jar as part of its new tableware collection, bringing a touch of Indian heritage to the onboard dining experience.

Part Of Air India's Larger Transformation

The new dining service builds on Air India's other efforts to improve its premium offering. These include updated food and beverage menus, an award-winning wine selection, improved tea offerings and other onboard service upgrades.

The airline is also investing in its fleet, adding new Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners while upgrading the interiors of existing aircraft with refreshed cabins.

Together, these changes are aimed at improving the experience for passengers travelling on long-haul routes. Along with more comfortable cabins, dining and onboard service remain important parts of the journey.

The new fine-dining service will be introduced on additional international routes over time. With its multi-course meals, new tableware and personalised service, Air India is looking to make Business Class dining more comfortable and give passengers a greater sense of occasion while travelling.

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