At 35,000 feet, airline dining is rarely described as memorable, but Air India wants to change that. On January 23, the airline announced a sweeping overhaul of its beverage programme across international routes, introducing a globally sourced portfolio of wines and spirits tailored by cabin class.
What Is Included In Air India’s New International Beverage Menu?
Central to the upgrade is a new “Regional Wine Programme,” developed to reflect the geography passengers are flying into. Instead of a one-size-fits-all list, labels are aligned to key international routes, offering travellers a contextual sense of place before landing. To support this, cabin crew have undergone specialised training designed to help them guide guests through flavour profiles and pairings, rather than simply take orders.
In a category-first move for Indian aviation, tequila now features in First and Business Class. Air India will pour 1800 Reserva Añejo from Mexico onboard. The premium spirits selection also spotlights India’s Rampur Double Cask single malt, signalling a deliberate effort to place Indian craftsmanship alongside established global names.
The First Class is unapologetically classic. Aberfeldy 21 Year Old Single Malt from Scotland, Hennessy VSOP Cognac, Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Pian della Vigne Brunello di Montalcino by Marchesi Antinori from Italy and a Burgundy Chardonnay form part of the flagship cabin offering. These labels remain exclusive to First and are luxe in all ways possible.
Business Class presents a broader international spread with Roku Gin from Japan, Charles Heidsieck Brut Champagne, Bottega Gold Prosecco, Albert Bichot Moulin-à-Vent, Château Teyssier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and Birra Moretti beer from Italy, among them. The selection balances heritage European houses with globally recognised contemporary brands.
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Has Air India Updated Its Economy Class Wine And Spirits List?
Premium Economy, meanwhile, receives its own upgrade. For the first time, guests in the cabin will be welcomed after take-off with Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco; this marks a small but symbolic change in positioning the class as distinct rather than transitional.
Economy Class retains accessibility without cutting back on variety. The list includes Bordeaux red and white wines, Dewar’s Blended Scotch, Bombay Sapphire Gin, Absolut Vodka, Caribbean rum, Heineken beer from the Netherlands and India’s Kingfisher Ultra lager.
The beverage overhaul runs parallel to a structured food and wine pairing menu. A Napa Valley Chardonnay is paired with chicken roulade layered with goat cheese and caramelised onion. A German Riesling is matched with Seoul flamed prawns. It also offers fuller-bodied reds like Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. The suggested accompaniments include Nawabi Paneer, Gucchi Kofta, Murgh Musallam and Chicken Bolognese Lasagne.
Air India On Its Revamped Wine & Spirits Menu
“The thoughtfully curated beverage portfolio brings together some of the finest wines and spirits to appeal to global travellers as Air India continues its focus on driving service excellence and customer-centricity. Paired with the newly revamped international menu, the newly curated beverage menu seeks to provide guests with a dining journey crafted with care and passion, elevating the overall in-flight experience,” said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India.
The timing aligns with other visible shifts in the airline’s operations, including the induction of the Boeing 787-9 and updates to its international menu. The beverage programme becomes another marker in a larger brand reset, one that moves beyond fleet modernisation into experience design.
Air India clarified that the announcement is intended purely for information and does not seek to solicit or induce alcohol consumption. The airline reiterated that consumption of alcohol is injurious to health.
Cover Image Courtesy: airindia/website
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