Loss-making Air India spends Rs 12 crore on elegant gold-rimmed crockery, only to discover that it's not microwave-proof
Loss-making Air India spends Rs 12 crore on elegant gold-rimmed crockery, only to discover that it's not microwave-proof
There is no doubt that whoever chose the Royal Doulton brand of bone china crockery for Air India passengers travelling first class has refined taste.
The English company, established in 1815, is one of the leading names of chic crockery that has graced oak tables of aristocracy world over.
ADVERTISEMENT
But, almost all Royal Doultons stunning designs have a gold rim, which everbody knows cannot be shoved into a microwave oven because of the metal content.
The loss-making national carrier recently bought Rs 12 crore worth Royal Doulton crockery and discovered that food served in it cannot be reheated in a microwave oven in the flight pantry as is necessary.
u00a0
The food, therefore, has to be heated in microwave-proof containers and then transferred on to the Royal Doulton crockery.
Sanjay Nirupam, MP Mumbai-North, lashed out at the huge spending, "It's the bureaucrats who have messed up the airline, which should have been the nation's pride.
Those responsible for the wrongs should be out of the management immediately." Nirupam claimed to have taken up the matter at a personal level with Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.
"We need to bring in professionals with integrity and honesty," he said.
u00a0
Parliament furore
Earlier this week, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury speaking in Parliament said, "The company is making huge losses.
They are asking for help from the government, yet they buy expensive crockery that cannot be heated in the microwave."
Yechury and Nirupam together voiced concerns on behalf of Air India's unions while speaking on the revival of the national carrier. Air India totted up losses of nearly Rs 7,200 crore on March 31.
Meanwhile, the airline website reads, "The menus are constantly revamped and the wines carried on board live up to the food they complement.
Meals are served to first class passengers in Royal Doulton bone china crockery, the most popular and up-market brand name in chinaware."
Reacting to this, Air India union leader George Abraham said, "I hope the turn-around strategy deals with these wasteful expenditures rather then on reducing retirement age of employees who now work extra by first heating food and then transferring it to the chinaware."
Aviation expert Vipul Saxena said recession seemed to have no effect on Air India, as it continued to expand its wings despite the financial turbulence.
A member of the cabin crew committee revealed that the airline was also spending Rs 300 on each menu card for first and business class passengers.
"Ironically, there have been instances when the wine list does not match the stock available on flight," he said.
The crockery is used on long-haul premium flights to New York, London, Nuwark, among others, and comprises a selection of sauce boats, bread and butter tubs, dinner plates, side plates, bowls, cake plates, soup tureens, soup bowls, fruit bowls, large coffee pots, oval dishes and cups and saucers.
Air Indiau00a0was unavailable for comments, despiteu00a0repeated attempts made by MiD DAY to get in touch with their staff.
Royal touch
Close to 100 of gold inlay plates are lifted on to each flight. They are made available to 40 passengers (12 in first class and 28 in business class).
An average of four plates (including quarter plates) are required by each passenger. To realise how expensive Royal Doulton is, a single teacup (see pic) and saucer costs u00c3u0082u00c2u00a311 (Rs 880).
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
