Air India is upgrading its premium onboard experience with the introduction of a restaurant-style, multi-course dining service for Business Class passengers on select long-haul and ultra-long-haul international flights. The new service replaces conventional tray-based meal presentation with individually plated courses, linen-laid tables and specially designed tableware.
The experience was launched on flights connecting India with the United Kingdom, including services to London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Birmingham. Air India plans to progressively extend the offering to more international routes through its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
Announced on October 22, 2026, the initiative is part of the airline’s broader transformation programme, which aims to improve its premium passenger experience through upgraded cabins, refreshed menus and more personalised onboard service.
A Restaurant-Style Dining Experience at 35,000 Feet
The new dining format moves away from the traditional approach of serving an entire meal together on a tray. Instead, passengers receive individual courses, with appetisers, main dishes and desserts presented separately.
The experience features linen-covered tables, dedicated tableware and more attentive service from cabin crew. Passengers can enjoy their meals at a more relaxed pace, with greater flexibility around the dining experience.
The changes are intended to make onboard dining feel closer to a restaurant setting rather than a conventional airline meal service.
According to Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Air India, the initiative reflects the airline’s efforts to create a premium experience that combines international service standards with the warmth and authenticity of Indian hospitality.
New Vista Verve Tableware Celebrates Indian Design
The dining upgrade also introduces a bespoke tableware collection designed for Air India’s Vista Verve service.
The collection includes dedicated plates for appetisers, main courses, snacks, desserts and cheese, alongside signature glassware and a specially designed espresso cup. The pieces are intended to create a more consistent visual identity throughout the dining experience.
One distinctive addition is the Martaban-shaped cruet set. Inspired by traditional Indian jars used to preserve flavours and family recipes, the design reinterprets a familiar element of Indian culinary heritage for contemporary onboard dining.
The collection brings together practical functionality and Indian-inspired design, giving the airline’s premium meal service a more distinctive presentation.
UK Routes Mark the First Phase of the Rollout
Air India’s initial launch covers selected international flights connecting India with three UK destinations:
- London Heathrow
- London Gatwick
- Birmingham
The airline plans to progressively introduce the service across its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9 and Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
This phased approach means the new dining experience will not necessarily be available on every international flight immediately. Availability will depend on aircraft deployment and the expansion of the service across the airline’s network.
The UK routes are the starting point for a wider programme intended to bring greater consistency to the Business Class experience on long-haul and ultra-long-haul journeys.
Part of Air India’s Wider Premium Transformation
The dining initiative forms part of a broader effort by Air India to refresh its passenger experience as the airline modernises its fleet and onboard services.
Its wider programme includes the introduction of new Airbus A350 aircraft, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners designed for the airline and cabin retrofits across existing single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft.
The airline has also been working on refreshed food and beverage menus, wine selections and tea offerings. Together, these changes are intended to improve the experience across different stages of a long-haul journey.
For Business Class passengers, the restaurant-style service adds another dimension to premium travel by placing greater emphasis on presentation, meal pacing and personalised attention.
What the Upgrade Means for International Travellers
Air India’s latest dining initiative reflects the growing importance of onboard hospitality in the competition among international airlines for premium passengers.
Business Class is increasingly defined not only by seating and cabin comfort but also by the quality and presentation of food, beverages and personal service.
By introducing individually plated courses, bespoke tableware and a more relaxed dining format, Air India is seeking to strengthen its premium offering on international routes.
The UK launch is the first step. As the service expands across more aircraft and destinations, its wider availability could become an important part of the airline’s efforts to establish a more consistent long-haul Business Class experience.
