Air India Bars Pilots From Eating ‘Special Food’ While Flying, Cites Increased Catering Expense As Reason

Air India on Wednesday (27 March) asked its pilots to refrain from consuming ‘special meals’ when on duty and that they should strictly adhere to the meal schedules laid down by the company, reports Economic Times (ET).

"It has been brought to the notice of the undersigned that flight crew are ordering special meal/s which are against the said rules," Amitabh Singh, Director Operations, Air India, wrote in an e-mail to pilots. "Crew should adhere to the meal schedules laid down by the company and should not authorise meal uplift on their own.”

According to Air India senior managers, some pilots were found to be ordering special meals for themselves such as burgers and soups. This not only increased the airline's food expenses but also disrupted food management.

The state-run airline had debts totalling Rs 48,000 crore in 2017, and its losses were of a similar amount. On top of it in the financial year 2016-17, it had accumulated losses of Rs 5,765 crore, most of it is a result of high debts.

Only Exceptions Are Medical Emergencies

"In light of the above, all cockpit crew are instructed not to order special meals RPT not to order special meals as and when operating a flight/SOD (Staff on Duty) movement," he added. In the mail, Singh, however, made an exception for those members of the crew who were recommended special meals by the doctors for medical reasons.

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