In a bid to ensure a healthy diet for its crew, Air India will now provide low-fat meal to its employees. From Tinda Masala to Dal Malka Masoor, the changed menu will include a wide range of dishes which are low on fat and cholesterol. As per an order issued by the General Manager (catering), low-fat diet will be first introduced on Delhi/Mumbai flights with effect from September 15, 2019 midnight on all domestic and international flights, reports PTI.
What are the new items that will be included?
The low-fat diet will include meals such as Boondi Raita, Palak Corn Tikki, Nutri Peas Bhurji, Dal Arhar, Dry Chapattis, Murg Dhaniya, Pudina Raita, Dal Kabila, Fresh Green Salad, Vermicilli Upma, Tinda Masala, Saute Spinach, Bhanu Kebab, Cucumber Raita, Dal Malka Masoor, Dal Hara Moong, Murg Methi, Beetroot ki Tikki, and Khus Veg Kebab. The idea behind the initiative is to introduce light meals with a ‘homely’ touch.
Why has it been introduced?
Apart from providing healthy meals to the employees, the move also aims to cut down on the rising expenses. According to a PTI report, Air India incurred a net loss of around Rs 8400 crore in 2018-19.
Interestingly, American Airlines introduced a cost-cutting initiative in the 1980s when it decided to remove one olive from every salad served to the passengers. The airlines thus successfully ended up saving $ 40,000 annually.
Have similar cost cutting measures been introduced By Air India in the past?
- In July 2017, the airlines discontinued serving non-vegetarian food to passengers in domestic flights in a bid to cut down on food wastage and rising costs.
- In October 2018, Air India reduced the quantity of cheese board meant for premium passengers on its international flights. The move was expected to reduce the catering cost by by Rs 2.5 crore per annum.
- In January 2019, the airline announced its decision to carry food from India in international flights. It was reported that food items purchased from foreign cities are expensive in comparison to Indian cities where catering is said to be around 3-4 times cheaper.
