The inaugural flight of Air India Express from Surat to Bangkok literally flew in high spirits. Even as tourists view holidaying in Thailand cheaper than other beach destinations, the passengers who boarded from Gujarat, a ‘dry’ State, wanted to make the best of their trip. The 176-seater Boeing 737 MAX plane was packed to 98% of its capacity on December 20 when the affordable onboard liquor and hot meals came into play.

Air India Express is famous for its 50 ml Chivas Regal miniatures costing Rs.600, and its 50 ml miniatures of Red Label, Bacardi White Rum, Beefeater Gin and 330 ml of Bira Lager that are sold for Rs.400. As per the airline’s policy, a maximum of two miniatures or cans is made available per passenger because of past instances of unruly behaviour when the supply wasn’t restricted.

That day, on the first Surat-Bangkok flight, some passengers were refused their third miniature/can. It was rumoured that the airline had run out of drinks but official sources denied it saying Air India Express had witnessed one of its highest liquor sales on that occasion. Chivas and Bira were in demand. Passengers enjoyed veg biryani and non-veg noodles too. Talking about the number of drinks sold on flight, airline sources refused to comment on the “commercially sensitive” information. – editor@nrifocus.com