The report recommended a number of cost-reduction measures, for which Air India constituted a committee to ensure timely implementation. In 2006, Air India placed an order with French company Thales for purchase of in-flight entertainment equipment for the 777s. In its response to the CAG, Air India management said that an agreement with Thales had been signed, according to which it would reimburse the amount, if Air India took delivery of the three balance aircraft. Air India had earmarked three Boeing 747-400 aircraft for VVIP operations, which include flying the President and the Prime Minister. On July 10, responding to questions on the meal move, Air India spokesperson G Prasad Rao had said: “The process of rationalising costs has been going on at Air India for the last few years.

Source: Indian Express July 16, 2017 22:57 UTC