New Delhi, Apr 21 (Agency) Air India on Friday announced having minimised single-use plastic usage by approximately 80 per cent on board all flights across its worldwide network. The reduction has been achieved since the privatisation of Air India in an ongoing effort led by a team of in-house experts and supported by catering partners and multiple vendors, with the aim of continually minimising the carrier’s environmental impact, a statement from the company said.
Air India’s effort in this direction included initiatives such as 100 per cent removal of 500ml plastic water bottles from all economy class seat pockets on widebody aircraft operating international flights, significant reduction in the bulk uplift of 200ml water bottles on international as well as domestic flights, introduction of water pour service from 1 litre water bottles during flight, replacement of plastic zip lock bags for cutlery with paper packaging, replacement of plastic straws with paper straws, replacement of plastic stirrers with wooden ones, among other things. “The airline is working towards introducing paper cutlery for economy class guests soon, apart from pursuing multiple other opportunities that would further reduce the usage of single-use plastic,” the statement said.