Cash-strapped Jet Airways cuts down on free meals

December 4 (TravelAndy): The cash-strapped Jet Airways on Monday announced it would stop free meals for most of its domestic economy passengers from January. The passengers, however, will be able to buy meals.

The cash-strapped airline has not been able to pay salaries to many of its employees since August. On Sunday, it had to cancel at least 14 flights after several pilots reportedly called in sick to protest against pending salaries.

“With effect from 7th January 2019, the airline will remodel and refresh its current set of in-flight offerings with an exciting range of ready-to-eat menu options comprising both food and beverage selections. These have been developed to offer guests greater choice and variety, suitably tempered to the palette of the fast-evolving traveler. Guests can choose from a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and snacks on select flights. The availability of meals will continue to be governed by factors such as time and duration of the flight,” a statement issued by the airline said.

“Effective 21st December 2018, guests travelling in Economy and booking ‘Light’/’Deal/Saver/Classic’ fares for travel from 07th January 2019 on flights within India will have the opportunity to buy meals from our specially curated on-board menu, ‘JetBistro’, payable by their debit/credit card. The airline will continue to offer complimentary meals across ‘Saver’/’Classic’ Fare Choices for guests who have made bookings prior to 21stDecember, 2018,” it added.

On flights within India, all features and benefits, including complimentary meals, will continue for the Economy fare option ‘Flex’ and for all fare options in Première. All features and benefits under First Class, Première and Economy offerings remain unchanged on international flights.

Commenting on the development, Raj Sivakumar, Senior Vice-President – Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Jet Airways, said, “Our expanded range of fare and meal choices are in sync with emerging consumer feedback which clearly reflects that an increasing number of guests want the flexibility of enjoying competitive fares with the option to buy meals that are best suited to their taste.”

Jet Airways operates flights to 66 destinations in India and overseas.