Question : Serving of Meals to Passengers on Flights

(a) whether loss laden Air India has stopped serving non-vegetarian meals to economy class passengers on its domestic flights;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the estimated quantum of amount to be saved on this account annually;

(c) whether the views of air passengers were solicited before taking this decision, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the present move will wean away passengers to other private airliners, if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) the other measures taken by the Government to cut cost in Air India and avoid further debt?

The Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. This was started to save costs, reduce wastage, improved service and also avoid any chances of mix-up of meals. The annual saving is expected to be around Rs.8-10 crores per annum.;;

(c): Yes, Madam. Passenger feedback through cabin crew was received.;;

(d): No, Madam.;;

(e): Government had approved a Turnaround Plan (TAP) / Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) for operational and financial turnaround of Air India. As a part of the Turnaround Plan, Air India has initiated a number of steps in order to cut costs and losses. These steps, inter-alia, include the following:;

i. Route rationalization of erstwhile AI & IA route and elimination of route network involving parallel operations.;

ii.Rationalization of certain loss making routes.;

iii.Enhanced utilization of new fleet resulting in production of higher Available Seat Kilometers (ASKMs). ;